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An Automated Gis Method For Modeling Relative Wave Exposure Within Complex Reef-Island Systems: A Case Study Of The Great Barrier Reef, Marjetta L. Puotinen

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

Patterns of wave energy play a significant role in shaping the long-term structure of coral reef communities worldwide. For example, sections of reefs have been shown to vary greatly in morphology (dominant size class, growth form) as coral colonies adapt in response to local-scale differences in the wave heights typically experienced. These differences result in zonation (crest, lagoon, and slope), producing characteristic growth forms and species assemblages that vary in their vulnerability to damage from waves (Done 1993). Those communities experiencing the greatest typical wave energy align themselves parallel to the water flow, adopt stream-lined forms and are usually smaller …