WORLD ATLAS OF CORAL REEFS
Chapter 1
The World of Coral Reefs
Coral
reefs are among the most diverse and
complex of all ecosystems; tfiey are among
the most heavily utilized and economically
valuable to humankind; and they are also
among the most beautiful and fascinating.
In order to understand what lies behind such accolades It Is Important to appreciate exactly what coral
reefs are, how they are formed and where they are
found. Building on such a foundation it is also valuable to develop a basic understanding of some of the
organisms that make up the complexity of life on coral
reefs, and what role they play In maintaining these
ecosystems. Such knowledge provides the basis for
a wider understanding of the Interactions of humans
and reefs. It Is also critical for understanding the
changes that are now occurring on coral reefs, and for
responding to such changes.
This chapter offers a simple definition and description of coral reefs. It goes on to orovlde an overview
of their distribution, and of the organisms that make
them up. It considers the elements determining these
distribution patterns, from factors of geological history
to present day limiting processes and the very important role of ocean currents. The chapter also looks
briefly into some of the patterns of biodiversity which
are observed at finer resolutions, patterns which are
observed between neighboring reefs, and zonation
patterns across individual reefs. Finally, the chapter
provides an overview of the main organisms which
make up the patterns of life on coral reefs.
Above, left: Midway Islands ISTS055-82-63. 19931. Above, right: The edge of the reef, with spur and groove formations. Great
Barrier Reef Below, left: Shallow waters of an atoll lagoon. Below, right: The intricate branches of an Acropora coral.
Chapter 1
The World of Coral Reefs
Coral
reefs are among the most diverse and
complex of all ecosystems; tfiey are among
the most heavily utilized and economically
valuable to humankind; and they are also
among the most beautiful and fascinating.
In order to understand what lies behind such accolades It Is Important to appreciate exactly what coral
reefs are, how they are formed and where they are
found. Building on such a foundation it is also valuable to develop a basic understanding of some of the
organisms that make up the complexity of life on coral
reefs, and what role they play In maintaining these
ecosystems. Such knowledge provides the basis for
a wider understanding of the Interactions of humans
and reefs. It Is also critical for understanding the
changes that are now occurring on coral reefs, and for
responding to such changes.
This chapter offers a simple definition and description of coral reefs. It goes on to orovlde an overview
of their distribution, and of the organisms that make
them up. It considers the elements determining these
distribution patterns, from factors of geological history
to present day limiting processes and the very important role of ocean currents. The chapter also looks
briefly into some of the patterns of biodiversity which
are observed at finer resolutions, patterns which are
observed between neighboring reefs, and zonation
patterns across individual reefs. Finally, the chapter
provides an overview of the main organisms which
make up the patterns of life on coral reefs.
Above, left: Midway Islands ISTS055-82-63. 19931. Above, right: The edge of the reef, with spur and groove formations. Great
Barrier Reef Below, left: Shallow waters of an atoll lagoon. Below, right: The intricate branches of an Acropora coral.