Coral Reefs of the Gulf

Coral Reefs of the Gulf: Adaptation to Climatic Extremes is a complete review and reference for scientists, engineers and students concerned with the geology, biology or engineering aspects of coral reefs in the Middle East. It provides for the first time a complete review of both the geology and biology of all extant coral areas in the Gulf, the water body between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In summer, this area is the hottest sea with abundant coral growth on earth and already today exhibits a temperature that is predicted to occur across the topical ocean in 2100. Thus, by studying the Gulf today, much can be learned about tomorrow’s world and the capability of coral reefs to adapt to climatic extremes. This volume provides the most authoritative and up-to-date review of the coral reefs in the Gulf. It can be used as a volume of general reference or as a textbook treating recent coral reefs.

Written by local and international experts, the text is richly illustrated and will remain a standard reference for the region for decades to come. Contributions stretch from climatology through geology, biology, ecological modelling and fisheries science to practical conservation aspects. The book is useful for the technical expert and casual reader alike.

• Arabia
• Coral reef biology
• Coral reef geology
• Coral reefs
• Gulf
• marine and freshwater sciences
• climate change impacts

From the reviews:

“Coral Reefs of the Gulf provides an important baseline on reef geomorphology and ecosystems in an area under pressure from various developments (oil, gas and resorts). … this book is an excellent ambassador for monitoring and protecting these important natural ecosystems.” (M. James C. Crabbe, The Biologist, Vol. 59 (5), December, 2012)

• , National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, USA

  Bernhard M. Riegl, Sam J. Purkis

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