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Coralline algae as indicators of sea-level

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Sea-Level Research

Abstract

Calcified crustose coralline algae occur from the arctic to the tropics in the ocean’s photic zone. However, in warmer seas, particularly supersaturated waters, growth is more rapid and secondary lithification more extensive leading to a greater frequency of bioherm and biostrome development. The generic and species composition of tropical and colder seas differ considerably and a depth zonation of genera and species is characteristic of all waters. Depth characterization of fossil material can be carried out on the basis of community structure. However, precision of determination is likely to be within the ±5–10 m range.

In tropical and temperate waters, and particularly in supersaturated seas, coralline bioherms (algal ridges and trottoir) develop in close association with sea level and can be precision (±10 cm) indicators of that level. Wave action control of grazing, and temperature and salinity/pH enhancement of growth and secondary mineralization are factors determining the extent of bioherm development. 14C dating along with consideration of the above factors and coralline community structure can lead to great confidence in the use of crustose corallines for sea-level determination.

Basic techniques and information needed for preparation and identification of crustose corallines is provided.

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Authors
  1. W. H. Adey
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Free University, Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Orson van de Plassche

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© 1986 Orson van de plassche

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Adey, W.H. (1986). Coralline algae as indicators of sea-level. In: van de Plassche, O. (eds) Sea-Level Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4215-8_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4215-8_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8370-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4215-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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