Download or read book Deep Reef Bioerosion and Deposition written by David Weinstein and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The structural complexity and geomorphic diversity of coral reefs are vital foundational characteristics responsible for the many ecological and economic benefits these ecosystems provide. Shallow-water coral reef geomorphology and structural sustainability is mostly determined by varying reef sedimentary components including: (1) sediment production (matrix) and deposition, (2) framework production and secondary carbonate accretion; (3) bioerosion; and (4) cementation. However, little is known regarding the variability and influence of these sedimentary processes in mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), deep reef communities 30-150 m below sea-level. Despite recent increases in biological and ecological MCE studies, many crucial sedimentological research questions remain unaddressed. These unaddressed questions impede a greater understanding of mesophotic reef structural sustainability and potentially related habitat heterogeneity, carbonate reef shelf development and variability in mesophotic depths, and the general origins of modern coral reef biodiversity. Critical gaps in knowledge of mesophotic coral reef geomorphology and structural sustainability were addressed in this dissertation by conducting one of the first extensive sedimentological analyses of a mesophotic coral reef ecosystem. Beyond a general exploration of MCEs, the overall research goal was to identify basic sedimentary processes integral to the development, modification, and sustainability of mesophotic coral reef structure. The goal was also to determine the variability of the identified processes at different mesophotic reef habitats and investigate how these processes and potential variability impact shelf-wide habitat heterogeneity and long-term accretion. To address these goals, sedimentary analyses and ecological surveys were conducted at mesophotic coral reef habitats with distinct structurally characteristics, and neighboring shallow-water reef counterparts in the northern U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Analyses at all reefs were designed to address four specific aims: (1) categorization and comparison of various mesophotic reef sediment and cement attributes; (2) determination of exposed consolidated substrate reef bioerosion rates, and the distribution and variability of bioeroding groups; (3) quantification and determination of primary coral mesophotic reef framework builder linear growth and calcification rate variability, and comparison to live mesophotic framework bioerosion and secondary accretion rates; and (4) application of study results for carbonate budget analysis and assessment of geomorphic carbonate production status. Sediment and cement analysis (first aim) indicated that distinct MCE habitats produce subfacies. The interpreted hydrodynamic and biological interactions controlling mesophotic USVI subfacies have implications towards paleoenvironmental interpretations of ancient mesophotic reef deposits with similar sediment and cement characteristics. Significant differences in exposed consolidated substrate bioerosional processes were discovered between the analyzed habitats. These differences were found to primarily result from variation in parrotfish biomass and related controls on substrate exposure time and location in macroboring succession. Results also broadly confirm pervious hypothesizes that bioerosion decreases with depth along a carbonate shelf and have implications leaning toward rejection of traditional reef accretion theories. Analysis of coral growth identified statistically significant differences in mesophotic coral reef calcification rates, implying another potential long-term mechanism for enhancing mesophotic reef structural heterogeneity. However, on a larger scale, linear extension rates were found to fit within previously proposed models of decreasing coral growth rate with increasing depth. Mesophotic coral reef sedimentary analyses were compared in a newly developed carbonate budget model to analyze structural sustainability and consider implications of these analyses on mesophotic reef habitat heterogeneity and Holocene carbonate shelf accretion. All USVI mesophotic habitats examined were identified with net positive carbonate production despite significant variability in geomorphic production states. Additionally, comparisons with earlier benthic surveys suggest higher net USVI mesophotic reef carbonate production in the recent past, potentially implying these deeper reefs are not fully immune to modern global stressors impacting shallow-water reefs. Results indicated that mesophotic reef accretion was not the main driver of shelf-scale topographic relief. However, mesophotic carbonate production variability substantially contributes to habitat-scale structural relief and complexity and relatedly to overall ecosystem diversity. Specific mesophotic reef sedimentology research methods and the need for similar studies at other mesophotic reef habitats were suggested. Comprehensive sedimentology analysis of mesophotic coral reefs in the USVI provide new insight into reef structural sustainability, geomorphic status, and potential impacts from global stressors, and should be considered when developing specific reef sustainability models and management strategies.
Download or read book Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by Yossi Loya and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-22 with total page 1003 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths. During the past decade, there has been an increasing scientific and management interest in MCEs expressed by the exponential increase in the number of publications studying this unique environment. Despite their close proximity to well-studied shallow reefs, and the growing evidence of their importance, our scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in its early stages. The topics covered in the book include: regional variation in MCEs; similarities and differences between mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic and abiotic conditions, biodiversity, ecology, geomorphology, and geology; potential connectivity between MCEs and shallow reefs; MCE disturbances, conservation, and management challenges; and new technologies, key research questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and future directions in MCE research.
Download or read book Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs written by David Hopley and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-11-26 with total page 1226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coral reefs are the largest landforms built by plants and animals. Their study therefore incorporates a wide range of disciplines. This encyclopedia approaches coral reefs from an earth science perspective, concentrating especially on modern reefs. Currently coral reefs are under high stress, most prominently from climate change with changes to water temperature, sea level and ocean acidification particularly damaging. Modern reefs have evolved through the massive environmental changes of the Quaternary with long periods of exposure during glacially lowered sea level periods and short periods of interglacial growth. The entries in this encyclopedia condense the large amount of work carried out since Charles Darwin first attempted to understand reef evolution. Leading authorities from many countries have contributed to the entries covering areas of geology, geography and ecology, providing comprehensive access to the most up-to-date research on the structure, form and processes operating on Quaternary coral reefs.
Download or read book Current Developments in Bioerosion written by Max Wisshak and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-06-02 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has become apparent from the literature that bioerosional processes affect a wide range of biological and geological systems that cross many disciplines among the sciences. This book is dedicated to crossing those traditional disciplinary boundaries to present a united and current perspective on the pattern and process of bioerosion. The book opens with papers on the evolutionary significance of bioerosion. It concludes with a primer on the bioerosion bibliography website.
Download or read book Modification of Carbonate Substrata by Bioerosion and Bioaccretion on Coral Reefs of the Red Sea written by Moshira Hassan and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Coral Reefs in the Anthropocene written by Charles Birkeland and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-11-03 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume investigates the effects of human activities on coral reefs, which provide important life-supporting systems to surrounding natural and human communities. It examines the self-reinforcing ecological, economic and technological mechanisms that degrade coral reef ecosystems around the world. Topics include reefs and limestones in Earth history; the interactions between corals and their symbiotic algae; diseases of coral reef organisms; the complex triangle between reef fishes, seaweeds and corals; coral disturbance and recovery in a changing world. In addition, the authors take key recent advances in DNA studies into account which provides new insights into the population biology, patterns of species distributions, recent evolution and vulnerabilities to environmental stresses. These DNA analyses also provide new understandings of the limitations of coral responses and scales of management necessary to sustain coral reefs in their present states. Coral reefs have been essential sources of food, income and resources to humans for millennia. This book details the delicate balance that exists within these ecosystems at all scales, from geologic time to cellular interactions and explores how recent global and local changes influence this relationship. It will serve as an indispensable resource for all those interested in learning how human activities have affected this vital ecosystem around the world.
Download or read book Coasts and Estuaries written by Eric Wolanski and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2019-01-24 with total page 730 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coasts and Estuaries: The Future provides valuable information on how we can protect and maintain natural ecological structures while also allowing estuaries to deliver services that produce societal goods and benefits. These issues are addressed through chapters detailing case studies from estuaries and coastal waters worldwide, presenting a full range of natural variability and human pressures. Following this, a series of chapters written by scientific leaders worldwide synthesizes the problems and offers solutions for specific issues graded within the framework of the socio-economic-environmental mosaic. These include fisheries, climate change, coastal megacities, evolving human-nature interactions, remediation measures, and integrated coastal management. The problems faced by half of the world living near coasts are truly a worldwide challenge as well as an opportunity for scientists to study commonalities and differences and provide solutions. This book is centered around the proposed DAPSI(W)R(M) framework, where drivers of basic human needs requires activities that each produce pressures. The pressures are mechanisms of state change on the natural system and Impacts on societal welfare (including well-being). These problems then require responses, which are the solutions relating to governance, socio-economic and cultural measures (Scharin et al 2016). - Covers estuaries and coastal seas worldwide, integrating their commonality, differences and solutions for sustainability - Includes global case studies from leading worldwide contributors, with accompanying boxes highlighting a synopsis about a particular estuary and coastal sea, making all information easy to find - Presents full color images to aid the reader in a better understanding of details of each case study - Provides a multi-disciplinary approach, linking biology, physics, climate and social sciences
Download or read book The History and Sedimentology of Ancient Reef Systems written by George D. Stanley Jr. and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-11-11 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the Preface: The chapters of this book contain contributions from an international group of specialists. They address some important themes in both modern and ancient reef systems. Some chapters contain `snapshots' of reefs of particular intervals, while others touch on relevant themes of both modern and ancient reefs - themes that weave their way through reefs of all ages. This book opens and sets the stage with an introduction to both modern and ancient reefs and reef ecosystems. This chapter is also intended as a basic introduction for students, general geologists, and professionals or others who may be unfamiliar with reefs and reef ecosystems. The chapter addresses the living coral reef ecosystem, stressing among other relevant factors, the importance of ecological and physical interactions between the organisms and their environment. The chapter also addresses mass extinction and provides a general overview of the history of reefs.
Download or read book Carbonate Depositional Environments written by Peter A. Scholle and published by AAPG. This book was released on 1983 with total page 694 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the book you need to improve your interpretations of carbonates. Using a systematic treatment of the entire subject of carbonate depositional environments, this unique book is specifically designed for use by the non-specialist -- the petroleum geologist or field geologist -- who uses carbonate depositional environments in facies reconstructions and environmental intepretations. This classic work, covering settings from non-marine to deep water, focuses on the recognition of depositional environments with extenive use of color diagrams and photographs of sedimentary structures and facies assemblages. Although the ultimate purpose of this text is to improve exploration for oil, gas, and mineral deposits, it also includes environments not normally considered to be particularly prospective for oil and gas in an attempt to provide as complete a framework as possible for recognition of environments. Suitable for use as a textbook, this book is also an invaluable reference fo the specialist or advanced graduate student. It provides perspective on large-scale influences on carbonate depositional envionments such as tectonic patterns, fluctuations of sea level, variations of climate, and evolutionary patterns of organisms. --
Download or read book Geobiology Objectives Concepts Perspectives written by N. Noffke and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Geobiology is an exciting and rapidly developing research discipline that opens new perspectives in understanding Earth as a system. To determine and to exploit its possibilities, this promising scientific field will benefit from a discussion of its definition as a research discipline, its objectives, and its methodological approaches. Such a spirited discussion is the goal of the book "Geobiology: Objectives, Concepts, Perspectives". Geobiology touches various subdisciplines of geology and biology in many ways. The book will serve biogeochemists, paleontologists, biomineralogists, microbiologists and many others as a forum to determine future directions of geobiological research. The book includes a section on the concept of geobiological studies, which combines the parent disciplines biology and geology. Several case studies describe geobiological investigations that serve to understand Earth in the present and past. The case studies give an overview of the general understanding of geobiology and lead the reader towards the current hot topics in this rising scientific discipline.* New definition of the rising scientific discipline "geobiology"* Overview into the broad spectrum of geobiological topics* Insight into hot topics of current geobiological research
Download or read book Trace Fossils as Indicators of Sedimentary Environments written by Dirk Knaust and published by Newnes. This book was released on 2012-12-31 with total page 955 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Integration of ichnological information into sedimentological models, and vice versa, is one of the main means by which we can improve our understanding of ancient depositional environments. Mainly intended for sedimentologists, this book aims to make ichnological methods as part of facies interpretation more popular, providing an analytical review of the ichnology of all major depositional environments and the use of ichnology in biostratigraphic and sequence stratigraphic analysis. It starts with an introduction to the historical aspect of ichnology, introducing common concepts and methods, and then continues with parts treating the main depositional systems from continental, shallow-marine and deep-marine siliciclastics, and marine carbonates. The last part is dedicated to the ichnology in hydrocarbon reservoir and aquifer characterization. - First overview in 25 years of the status of ichnological studies in facies reconstructions of all major depositional environments - Written by a selected, well-experienced and specialized international authorship - Provides easy access to the comprehensive and widespread literature
Download or read book Quaternary Coral Reef Systems written by Lucien F. Montaggioni and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2009-08-13 with total page 550 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents both state-of-the art knowledge from Recent coral reefs (1.8 million to a few centuries old) gained since the eighties, and introduces geologists, oceanographers and environmentalists to sedimentological and paleoecological studies of an ecosystem encompassing some of the world's richest biodiversity. Scleractinian reefs first appeared about 300 million years ago. Today coral reef systems provide some of the most sensitive gauges of environmental change, expressing the complex interplay of chemical, physical, geological and biological factors. The topics covered will include the evolutionary history of reef systems and some of the main reef builders since the Cenozoic, the effects of biological and environmental forces on the zonation of reef systems and the distribution of reef organisms and on reef community dynamics through time, changes in the geometry, anatomy and stratigraphy of reef bodies and systems in relation to changes in sea level and tectonics, the distribution patterns of sedimentary (framework or detrital) facies in relation to those of biological communities, the modes and rates of reef accretion (progradation, aggradation versus backstepping; coral growth versus reef growth), the hydrodynamic forces controlling water circulation through reef structures and their relationship to early diagenetic processes, the major diagenetic processes affecting reef bodies through time (replacement and diddolution, dolomitization, phosphatogenesis), and the record of climate change by both individual coral colonies and reef systems over the Quaternary. * state-of-the-art knowledge from Recent corals reefs* introduction to sedimentological and paleoecological studies of an ecosystems encompassing some of the world's richest biodiversity.* authors are internationally regarded authorities on the subject* trustworthy information
Download or read book Reef Evolution written by Rachel Wood and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If one does not understand the biology of the coral reef, one does not understand the reef at all. So, using more than 250 illustrations and specially drawn ecological reconstructions of reef communities, Rachel Wood provides a unique evolutionary approach to the understanding of ancient coral reef ecosystems. Marine organisms have aggregated to form reefs for over 3.5 billion years--creating the largest biologically constructed feature on earth, some visible from space. However, their study has been largely descriptive. Reef Evolution, documents the fundamental biological processes and innovations which have molded the evolution of reef ecosystems and given rise to the highly complex communities found today. The appearance of clonality, the acquisition of photosymbiosis, and the radiation of predator groups are all discussed in depth. Data from the fossil record documents the evolutionary development of reef ecosystems. Although reefs only occupy a small percentage of the oceans, their importance to the marine environment is many-faceted and global. They create harbors and allow the development of shallow basins with associated mangrove or seagrass communities; they protect coastlines from erosion; are involved in the regulation of atmospheric carbon, which in turn contributes to climate control. can provide extensive oil and gas reservoirs. From a biological standpoint, however, the great significance of reefs lies in their ability to generate and maintain a substantial proportion of tropical marine biodiversity. This unique interdisciplinary approach provides students and researchers in evolution, marine biology, ecology, paleontology, biodiversity, and geology with a text that will allow them to truly understand the biological innovations which have molded the evolution of coral reefs and given rise to the highly complex communities found today.
Download or read book Perspectives on Coral Reefs written by D. J. Barnes and published by . This book was released on 1983 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Coral Reefs of the Eastern Tropical Pacific written by Peter W. Glynn and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-08-12 with total page 666 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book documents and examines the state of health of coral reefs in the eastern tropical Pacific region. It touches on the occurrence of coral reefs in the waters of surrounding countries, and it explores their biogeography, biodiversity and condition relative to the El Niño southern oscillation and human impacts. Additionally contained within is a field that presents information on many of the species presented in the preceding chapters.
Download or read book The Biology of Reefs and Reef Organisms written by Walter M. Goldberg and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2013-10-04 with total page 410 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reefs provide a wealth of opportunity for learning about biological and ecosystem processes, and reef biology courses are among the most popular in marine biology and zoology departments the world over. Walter M. Goldberg has taught one such course for years, and he marshals that experience in the pages of The Biology of Reefs and Reef Organisms. Goldberg examines the nature not only of coral reefs—the best known among types of reefs—but also of sponge reefs, worm reefs, and oyster reefs, explaining the factors that influence their growth, distribution, and structure. A central focus of the book is reef construction, and Goldberg details the plants and animals that form the scaffold of the reef system and allow for the attachment and growth of other organisms, including those that function as bafflers, binders, and cementing agents. He also tours readers through reef ecology, paleontology, and biogeography, all of which serve as background for the problems reefs face today and the challenge of their conservation. Visually impressive, profusely illustrated, and easy to read, The Biology of Reefs and Reef Organisms offers a fascinating introduction to reef science and will appeal to students and instructors of marine biology, comparative zoology, and oceanography.
Download or read book Sea Urchins written by John M. Lawrence and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-01-17 with total page 734 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sea Urchins: Biology and Ecology, Fourth Edition, Volume 43 expands its coverage to include the entire class of Echinoidea, making this new edition an authoritative reference of the entire class of species. This is a valuable resource that will help readers gain a deep understanding of the basic characteristics of sea urchins, the basis of the great variation that exists in sea urchins, and how sea urchins are important components of marine ecosystems. Updated coverage includes sections on reproduction, metabolism, endocrinology, larval ecology, growth, digestion, carotenoids and disease. Includes pertinent tables and graphs within chapters to visually summarize information Provides case studies with research applications to provide potential solutions Includes the entire class of Echinoidea and the effect of climate change on the biology and ecology of the species
