Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology

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.

• Coral reef
• coral
• development
• ecology
• ecosystem
• environment
• environmental management
• geology
• global warming
• marine biology
• oceans
• paleobiology
• paleoecology
• reefs
• taphonomy

From the reviews:

"The editor has brought together as contributors 19 well-known coral-reef workers, including both biologists and geoscientists. At the end of the book there is a comprehensive index of over 650 items....the book represents a very good summary of current directions in reef ecology research, based on geological or historic approaches, including modern techniques and, for the most part, state-of-the-art knowledge. The book also includes a number of studies that make it quite clear that coral reefs are not only in decline, but that the decline is to a large part caused by human disturbance, and that we need to take actions to decelerate this process. I can highly recommend this book to both reef scientists and students of reef systems, either with a biological and a geoscientific background." (Eberhard Gischler, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitat, Frankfurt am Main, Germany).

"Geological Approaches to Coral Reef Ecology presents a historical perspective on contemporary natural and human-induced impacts on reef systems … . The book is well presented, and its content is a welcome addition to coral reef literature. … highlights the value of geological approaches in contextualizing reef ecology, and it should be of great interest to all reef scientists and students of coral reefs, particularly those with a keen interest in the Caribbean reef province." (Paul Kench, Eos, Vol. 89 (38), 2008)

• Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, USA

  Richard B. Aronson

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