Extreme Climatic Events and Coral Reefs: How Much Short-Term Threat from Global Change?

Book Title

Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology

Authors

Bernhard Riegl, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ORCID ID

0000-0002-6003-9324

Document Type

Book Chapter

ISBN

978-0-387-33537-7

Publication Date

2007

Editors

Richard B. Aronson

Keywords

Indian Ocean, Coral Reef, Tropical Cyclone, Coral Bleaching, Vertical Wind Shear

Description

[Book Description] Coral reefs around the world are sustaining massive damage at an alarming rate. Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology provides a uniquely historical perspective on the destruction - through both natural and human processes - of coral reef ecosystems. Chapters applying the principles of geophysics, paleontology, geochemistry, and physical and chemical oceanography supply novel insights into the workings of coral reefs, complementing real-time ecological studies and providing critical information for crafting realistic environmental policy.

By reconstructing the ecological history of coral reefs, the authors are able to evaluate whether or not recent, dramatic changes to reef ecosystems are novel events or part of a long-term trend or cycle. The contributions examine the interacting causes of change, which include hurricane damage, regional outbreaks of coral-consuming predators, disease epidemics, sea-level rise, nutrient loading, global warming and acidification of the oceans. Crucial predictions about the future of coral reefs lead to practical strategies for the successful restoration and management of reef ecosystems. Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology will be of particular interest to students and professionals in ecology and marine biology, including environmental managers.

DOI

10.1007/978-0-387-33537-7_10

Publisher

Springer, New York, NY

First Page

315

Last Page

341

Additional Information

© 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

Disciplines

Marine Biology

NSUWorks Citation

Riegl, Bernhard. (2007). Extreme Climatic Events and Coral Reefs: How Much Short-Term Threat from Global Change?. In Richard B. Aronson (Eds.), Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology .

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