Geomorphology of coral reefs with special reference to the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

[Extract] Coral reefs are found in shallow waters throughout the tropics. Although corals contribute the largest amount to reef-building (up to 10 kg CaC0₃ m² yr⁻¹) many other organisms that secrete limestone-like forms of calcium carbonate such as coralline algae, molluscs, bryozoans, and the green alga Halimeda also play a part. Simultaneously, other plants and anminals such as chitons, clionid sponges, clams and parrotfish will be destroying the reef through bioerosion at rates that can equal those of production, The reef structure is thus the net result of construction and removal, so that not everywhere that corals grow do significant reefal structures develop.