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Reefs Formation and Growth I

Reefs Formation and Growth I. Ecological controls over reef development. The Environment of the Reef. Nutrient supply: Oligotrophic environment- nutrient poor Shallow waters where most reefs develop Low abundance of food Hermatypic corals need symbiont Eutrophic- nutrient rich

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Reefs Formation and Growth I

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  1. Reefs Formation and Growth I

  2. Ecological controls over reef development The Environment of the Reef • Nutrient supply: • Oligotrophic environment- nutrient poor • Shallow waters where most reefs develop • Low abundance of food • Hermatypic corals need symbiont • Eutrophic- nutrient rich • Dominated by phytoplankton production • Reduces light for coral symbiont • Not necessarily beneficial

  3. Oligotrophic vs Eutrophic

  4. Limiting factors for reef development: • Temperature • 18-32oC • Light • Symbiont • Corals thrive in shallow waters where light intensity is the strongest • Hermatypic corals <30m • Salinity • Ave 35 ppt • 28-38 ppt; corals have a difficult time developing at extreme salinity

  5. Reef Growth = Reef Construction minus Reef Erosion

  6. Reef Construction Process • Framework Building • Sediment Production • Cementation

  7. Principle Framework Builders • Scleractinian Corals • Non-Scleractinian Corals • Coraline Algae

  8. Scleractinian Coral Framework Builders

  9. Non-Scleractinian Coral Framework Builders fire coral

  10. Coralline Algae Framework Builders

  11. Other Framework Builders giant clam

  12. Reef Sediments • Fragmented Coral and Coraline Algae • Foraminifera Skeletons • Halimeda “Dust” • Sponge Spicules • Other Skeletal Debris • Inorganic Precipitation

  13. Reef Sediments: Foraminifera

  14. Reef Sediments: Halimeda Sand Reef Sediments: Halimeda Sand

  15. Reef Sediments: Sponge Spicules

  16. Reef Sediments: Other Skeletal Remains cone shell

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