The Effects of Siltation on Corals of the Great Barrier Reef Near the Daintree River, North-Eastern Queensland, Australia

Abstract

<p> Effects of siltation were measured by determination of growth rates through x-radiography and trapped clastics sediments through coral sample decalcification. Results show an increase in growth rate with an increase in suspended particulate matter. This is attributed to an increase in nutrient levels with increased SPM values.</p> <p> Support of algal banding being an annual indicator was given by comparison of x-radiographs to actual coral slabs.</p> <p> Observation of radiographs reveal an offshore trend in regard to the distinctiveness of annual banding, with the bands being less obvious on outer shelf corals.</p> <p> Large variations in growth rates found within the sample population as a whole, as well as intra-reef samples reveal the limited applications to which these determinations can be used.</p>