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Reefs Formation and Growth I
Reefs Formation and Growth I
The Environment of the Reef
Nutrient supply:1. Oligotrophic environment- nutrient poor
• Shallow waters where most reefs develop
• Low abundance of food• Hermatypic corals need symbiont
2. Eutrophic- nutrient rich• Dominated by phytoplankton production• Reduces light for coral symbiont• Not necessarily beneficial
Oligotrophic vs Eutrophic
Limiting factors for reef development:1. Temperature
• 18-32oC2. Light
• Symbiont• Corals thrive in shallow waters where
light intensity is the strongest• Hermatypic corals <30m
3. Salinity• Ave 35 ppt• 28-38 ppt; corals have a difficult time
developing at extreme salinity
• Framework Building
• Sediment Production
• Cementation
• Scleractinian Corals
• Non-Scleractinian Corals
• Coraline Algae
Scleractinian Coral Framework BuildersScleractinian Coral Framework Builders
Non-Scleractinian Coral Framework Builders
Non-Scleractinian Coral Framework Builders
fire coralfire coral
Coralline Algae Framework Builders
Coralline Algae Framework Builders
Other Framework
Builders
Other Framework
Builders
giant clamgiant clam
• Fragmented Coral and Coraline Algae
• Foraminifera Skeletons• Halimeda “Dust”• Sponge Spicules• Other Skeletal Debris• Inorganic Precipitation
Reef Sediments: Foraminifera
Reef Sediments: Foraminifera
Reef Sediments: Halimeda Sand
Reef Sediments: Halimeda SandReef Sediments:
Halimeda SandReef Sediments:Halimeda Sand
Reef Sediments: Sponge SpiculesReef Sediments: Sponge Spicules
Reef Sediments: Other Skeletal Remains
Reef Sediments: Other Skeletal Remains
cone shellcone shell