Data March 2026 - Light, Oxygen, pH and Temperatures

In March 2026, the environmental parameters we measured—light, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH—show a tightly interconnected story of how physical and biological processes shape marine ecosystems.

Light intensity ranged between about 28,400 and 30,200 Lux, with a mean near 29,300 Lux. Its daily cycles reflect the alternation of day and night, with peaks driven by solar radiation and troughs influenced by cloud cover. This rhythm is the primary driver of photosynthesis, which in turn affects both oxygen production and pH levels in the water.

Temperature varied from 28.0 to 29.8 °C, averaging around 29.0 °C. It showed a gradual increase across the month, with daily oscillations linked to sunlight exposure. Water warms more slowly than air, so the changes are smoother, but the trend is clear: accumulated solar energy raises the baseline temperature. This warming has direct consequences, as higher temperatures reduce the solubility of oxygen in seawater.

Dissolved oxygen ranged between 6.2 and 7.8 %, with a mean close to 7.0 %. Its pattern reveals a strong inverse relationship with temperature: as the water warmed, oxygen levels dropped, most notably around mid-March. This is a classic physical-chemical effect, compounded by biological activity—respiration and decomposition consume oxygen, while photosynthesis replenishes it during daylight hours.

pH fluctuated between 7.90 and 8.08, averaging about 8.00. These subtle variations are tied to the balance between photosynthesis, which consumes carbon dioxide and raises pH, and respiration, which releases carbon dioxide and lowers it. Temperature indirectly influences these processes by affecting metabolic rates and gas exchange.

Taken together, these variables illustrate the interconnected dynamics of reef ecosystems. Sunlight drives photosynthesis and daily cycles of light and temperature. Rising temperatures reduce oxygen availability, while biological processes modulate pH. Even small shifts in one factor ripple through the system, influencing coral health, fish respiration, and the overall resilience of the reef.