Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
An assessment of an environmental gradient using coral geochemical records, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Author(s)
Lewis, S. E.;Brodie, J. E.;McCulloch, M. T.;Mallela, J.;Jupiter, S. D.;Stuart Williams, H.;Lough, J. M.;Matson, E. G.
Published
2012
Publisher
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.09.030
Abstract
Coral cores were collected along an environmental and water quality gradient through the Whitsunday Island group, Great Barrier Reef (Australia), for trace element and stable isotope analysis. The primary aim of the study was to examine if this gradient could be detected in coral records and, if so, whether the gradient has changed over time with changing land use in the adjacent river catchments. Y/Ca was the trace element ratio which varied spatially across the gradient, with concentrations progressively decreasing away from the river mouths. The Ba/Ca and Y/Ca ratios were the only indicators of change in the gradient through time, increasing shortly after European settlement. The Mn/Ca ratio responded to local disturbance related to the construction of tourism infrastructure. Nitrogen isotope ratios showed no apparent trend over time. This study highlights the importance of site selection when using coral records to record regional environmental signals. © 2011.
Keywords
δ 15N;Ba/Ca;Great Barrier Reef;Mn/Ca;Water quality gradient;Y/Ca
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB14181