Reefs Formation and Growth II

Reefs Formation and Growth II

REEF CEMENTERS

Encrusting Coraline Algae

Encrusting Corals

Reef Cementers: Encrusting Coralline

Algae

Reef Cementers: Encrusting Coralline

Algae

Reef Cementers: Encrusting CoralReef Cementers: Encrusting Coral

REEF EROSION PROCESSES

• Mechanical Erosion• Direct Bioerosion• Indirect Bioerosion• Human Activities

Mechanical Erosion

Mechanical Erosion

Wave Action

Sea Level Change

Gravity

Wave Action

Sea Level Change

Gravity

Microatoll on Shallow Reef FlatMicroatoll on Shallow Reef FlatMicroatoll on Shallow Reef FlatMicroatoll on Shallow Reef Flat

DIRECT BIOERODERS

• Sponges• Sea Urchins• Bivalved Molluscs• Parrot Fish• Endolithic Algae

Direct BioerosionDirect Bioerosion

SpongesSponges

Direct BioerosionDirect Bioerosion

Sea UrchinsSea Urchins

Direct Bioerosion

Direct Bioerosion

Bivalved MolluscsBivalved Molluscs

Direct BioerosionDirect Bioerosion

ParrotfishParrotfish

Direct BioerosionDirect Bioerosion

Sea TurtlesSea Turtles

INDIRECT BIOERODERS

• Sea Stars• Fish• Other Corallivores

Indirect BioerosionIndirect BioerosionSea StarsSea Stars

Indirect BioerosionIndirect Bioerosion

Corallivorous Fish

Corallivorous Fish

Indirect Bioerosion

Indirect Bioerosion

Other Coral Predators

Other Coral Predators

Overall ProcessOverall Process