Developments in coral reef and reef island geomorphology

摘要

There is global concern over the future condition of coral reefs as the environmental boundary controls on reef distribution and development are rapidly changing. The ecological condition and future "health" of coral reefs are the subject of intense scientific discussion. Emerging within these discussions is a recognition of the critical role of the coral reef structure itself, as a three-dimensional geomorphic feature that is both a product of sustained carbonate production, and a source of detri-tal sediment. Thus the reef structure not only provides the foundation for the living coral veneer, but also supports the development of a range of sedimentary landforms including coral reef islands. Understanding future transitions in the geomorphic structure and stability of reefs is thus a critical issue, but requires a robust understanding of the controls and process dynamics that affect coral reefs and reef landform evolution and change over multiple temporal and spatial scales. This Special Issue presents recent developments in understanding coral reef and reef island geomorphology, the controls on reef platform development, new perspectives on reef island development and change, and the processes that govern reef and island morphodynamics at a range of timescales. The manuscripts presented in this Special Issue were largely presented at a special session on Coral Reefs and Reef Islands at the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium in Townsville, Australia, in July 2012. The special session was organised by the International Association of Geomorphologists Working Group REEForm.