A morphometric assessment and classification of coral reef spur and groove morphology

Duce, S., Vila-Concejo, A., Hamylton, S.M., Webster, J.M., Bruce, E., and Beaman, R.J. (2016) A morphometric assessment and classification of coral reef spur and groove morphology. Geomorphology, 265. pp. 68-83.

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Abstract

Spurs and grooves (SaGs) are a common and important feature of coral reef fore slopes worldwide. However, they are difficult to access and hence their morphodynamics and formation are poorly understood. We use remote sensing, with extensive ground truthing, to measure SaG morphometrics and environmental factors at 11,430 grooves across 17 reefs in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We revealed strong positive correlations between groove length, orientation and wave exposure with longer, more closely-spaced grooves oriented easterly reflecting the dominant swell regime. Wave exposure was found to be the most important factor controlling SaG distribution and morphology. Gradient of the upper reef slope was also an important limiting factor, with SaGs less likely to develop in steeply sloping (> 5°) areas. We used a subset of the morphometric data (11 reefs) to statistically define four classes of SaG. This classification scheme was tested on the remaining six reefs. SaGs in the four classes differ in morphology, groove substrate and coral cover. These differences provide insights into SaG formation mechanisms with implications to reef platform growth and evolution. We hypothesize SaG formation is dominated by coral growth processes at two classes and erosion processes at one class. A fourth class may represent relic features formed earlier in the Holocene transgression. The classes are comparable with SaGs elsewhere, suggesting the classification could be applied globally with the addition of new classes if necessary. While further research is required, we show remotely sensed SaG morphometrics can provide useful insights into reef platform evolution.

Item ID: 43935
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1872-695X
Keywords: coral reef geomorphology; spur and groove; ecomorphodynamics; morphometrics; reef evolution
Funders: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Coral Reef Society, University of Wollongong, Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: GBRMPA Science for Management Awards 9/1667(2), ARC FT100100215
Date Deposited: 20 May 2016 05:04
FoR Codes: 37 EARTH SCIENCES > 3705 Geology > 370504 Marine geoscience @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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