Coral Reefs (Ecosystems of the World) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0444873929 ISBN 13: 9780444873927

Publisher: Elsevier Science, 1990

Synopsis

Over the last three decades, coral-reef study has advanced rapidly, widening our understanding of their functional intricacy. These finely- tuned ecosystems have been exposed to many perils as a result of tourist pressure, anthropogenic eutrophication and pollution. A better understanding of coral reefs is therefore essential to their survival.

This volume is built around the key problems underlying the understanding of the structure and function of coral reefs as ecosystems. In each of these research fronts, former accomplishments are summarized and evaluated, and likely future foci are identified. Special attention is given to the interrelations of the different problems and processes which are important properties of these systems.

Coverage is given of recent advances in the understanding of the ways in which abiotic forces - like hydromechanics, light and nutrient regimes - have shaped the evolution and development of coral reefs. The roles of the various organisms that make up the reef community, in the harvesting, assimilation and transformation of energy and in the uptake, storage and recycling of nutrients, are analyzed. The ways to conserve coral reefs in the face of the increasing impact of various anthropogenic stresses are evaluated.

This will be the central reference work for specialists and advanced students, active in all aspects of coral-reef research, and will provide them with a balanced, stimulating view of the many facets of contemporary coral-reef science.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book covers in one volume materials scattered in hundreds of research articles, in most cases focusing on specialized aspects of coral biology. In addition to the latest developments in coral evolution and physiology, it presents chapters devoted to novel frontiers in coral reef research. These include the molecular biology of corals and their symbiotic algae, remote sensing of reef systems, ecology of coral disease spread, effects of various scenarios of global climate change, ocean acidification effects of increasing CO2 levels on coral calcification, and damaged coral reef remediation. Beyond extensive coverage of the above aspects, key issues regarding the coral organism and the reef ecosystem such as calcification, reproduction, modeling, algae, reef invertebrates, competition and fish are re-evaluated in the light of new research and emerging insights. In all chapters novel theories as well as challenges to established paradigms are introduced, evaluated and discussed. This volume is indispensible for all those involved in coral reef management and conservation.

Review:

From the reviews:

“This book examines coral reefs from A to Z in five parts ... 29 chapters, with most of the chapters appearing in the biology, ecosystem, and disturbance sections. Each chapter typically begins with a short abstract, followed by detailed contents. Most of the figures and photos are in color and correlate well with chapter contents. ... a good reference source for all levels of readers, from nonscientist to professional researcher ... . Summing Up: Recommended. Academic, professional, and general readers, all levels.” (L. T. Spencer, Choice, Vol. 48 (10), June, 2011)

About this edition

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0444873929
• ISBN 13: 9780444873927
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 550
• Editor: Dubinsky Z.