Spatial variations in the stable isotope composition of the benthic algae, Halimeda tuna, and implications for paleothermometry

On Conch Reef, Florida Keys, USA we examined the effects of reef hydrography and topography on the patterns of stable isotope values (δ(18)O and δ(13)C) in the benthic green alga, Halimeda tuna. During the summer, benthic temperatures show high-frequency fluctuations (2 to 8 °C) associated with internal waves that advected cool, nutrient-rich water across the reef. The interaction between local water flow and reef morphology resulted in a highly heterogenous physical environment even within isobaths that likely influenced the growth regime of H. tuna. Variability in H. tuna isotopic values even among closely located individuals suggest biological responses to the observed environmental heterogeneity. Although isotopic composition of reef carbonate material can be used to reconstruct past temperatures (T(°C) = 14.2–3.6 (δ(18)O(Halimeda )− δ(18)O(seawater)); r(2) = 0.92), comparing the temperatures measured across the reef with that predicted by an isotopic thermometer suggests complex interactions between the environment and Halimeda carbonate formation at temporal and spatial scales not normally considered in mixed sediment samples. The divergence in estimated range between measured and predicted temperatures demonstrates the existence of species- and location-specific isotopic relationships with physical and environmental factors that should be considered in contemporary as well as ancient reef settings.