Incoprea Theory
Vol. XXI · 39

Theory 18/Sherwood Number/Coral calcification

Calcification Is a Boundary Problem

The claim

Coral calcification rate is set by the Sherwood number at the tissue surface, so flow conditions change calcification independently of saturation state.

01Mechanism

Calcification consumes alkalinity at the surface; supply from the bulk depends on boundary layer transport, which flow sets.

02Prediction

Calcification should track Sherwood at equal saturation.

03Refutation

Calcification tracking saturation alone would remove flow.