Reefs of the deep: the biology and geology of cold-water coral ecosystems.
Coral reefs are generally associated with shallow tropical seas; however, recent deep-ocean exploration using advanced acoustics and submersibles has revealed unexpectedly widespread and diverse coral ecosystems in deep waters on continental shelves, slopes, seamounts, and ridge systems around the world. Advances reviewed here include the use of corals as paleoclimatic archives and their biogeological functioning, biodiversity, and biogeography. Threats to these fragile, long-lived, and rich ecosystems are mounting: The impacts of deep-water trawling are already widespread, and effects of ocean acidification are potentially devastating.
Roberts
J Murray
JM
Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK.
Wheeler
Andrew J
AJ
Freiwald
André
A
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000254:growth & development; D044822:Biodiversity; D002980:Climate; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D005399:Fishes; D005828:Genetics, Population; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012623:Seawater; D013995:Time