Elkhorn coral in Biscayne National Park
By St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
2017 (approx.)
Detailed Description
The CMHRP is testing the calcification rates of different genetic strains of threatened Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) to advise local and Federal agencies engaged in coral reef restoration. Elkhorn coral is the sole Florida-Caribbean species responsible for creating the reef crest, which is the geological feature responsible for protecting shorelines from wave energy. Credit: Ilsa Kuffner, USGS
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
Related
Coral Reefs
Shallow water (less than ~150 m water depth) coral reefs are seafloor structures built from the calcium carbonate skeletons of marine organisms. Reefs buffer shorelines from waves, storm surges, and tsunamis and help to protect ~200 million of the world's coastal dwellers from flooding, erosion, property damage, and loss of life. Reefs support high levels of biodiversity; they are home to up to 25...
Related
Coral Reefs
Shallow water (less than ~150 m water depth) coral reefs are seafloor structures built from the calcium carbonate skeletons of marine organisms. Reefs buffer shorelines from waves, storm surges, and tsunamis and help to protect ~200 million of the world's coastal dwellers from flooding, erosion, property damage, and loss of life. Reefs support high levels of biodiversity; they are home to up to 25...