Composition and temporal stability of turf sediments on inner-shelf coral reefs

Title
Composition and temporal stability of turf sediments on inner-shelf coral reefs
Publication Date
2016
Author(s)
Gordon, Sophie E
Goatley, Christopher
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2930-5591
Email: cgoatley@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:cgoatley
Bellwood, David R
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.07.013
UNE publication id
une:20640
Abstract
Elevated sediment loads within the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) of coral reefs can increase coral mortality and inhibit herbivory. Yet the composition, distribution and temporal variability of EAM sediment loads are poorly known, especially on inshore reefs. This study quantified EAM sediment loads (including organic particulates) and algal length across the reef profile of two bays at Orpheus Island (inner-shelf Great Barrier Reef) over a six month period. We examined the total sediment mass, organic load, carbonate and silicate content, and the particle sizes of EAM sediments. Throughout the study period, all EAM sediment variables exhibited marked variation among reef zones. However, EAM sediment loads and algal length were consistent between bays and over time, despite major seasonal variation in climate including a severe tropical cyclone. This study provides a comprehensive description of EAM sediments on inshore reefs and highlights the exceptional temporal stability of EAM sediments on coral reefs.
Link
Citation
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 111(1-2), p. 178-183
ISSN
1879-3363
0025-326X
Start page
178
End page
183

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