Earthquakes

Earthquakes/Tsunamis

• Overview--What is an Earthquake? What is a Tsunami?

• Types of Damage:

• Effects of Earthquakes on Coral Reefs:
  • Uplift
  • Subsidence

• Effects of Tsunamis on Coral Reefs:
  • Removes benthic assemblages:
  • Resets succession and structure of communities

• History of Earthquakes in the Caribbean (Important Case Studies):
  • Belizean Barrier Reef--Earthquake 2009
    • Description of Catastrophe:
    • Immediate Impacts on Coral:
    • Further Ecological Impacts:

• History of Tsunamis in the Caribbean (Important Case Studies):
  • • Description of Catastrophe:
    • Immediate Impacts on Coral:
    • Further Ecological Impacts:

• Looking Forward:
  • Restoration of Previously Damaged Reefs
    • role of ecological history
  • Return Times of Natural Disasters in the Future
  • Status of Caribbean Coral Reefs in 100 Years

References: [1] Marion McClary (Topic Editor) "Threats to coral reefs". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth August 25, 2008; Last revised Date July 14, 2012; Retrieved February 25, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Threats_to_coral_reefs?topic=49513>

[2] Harmelin-Vivien, ML. The effects of storms and cyclones on coral reefs: a review. Journal of Coastal Research [Internet]. 1994 [cited 2013 Feb 26]; Special Issue No. 12: 211-231. Available from: http://www.istor.org/stable/25735600

[3] Aronson, Richard, William Precht, Ian Macintyre, and Lauren Toth. "UNC Chapel Hill Libraries: E-Journal List." UNC Chapel Hill Libraries: E-Journal List. Ecological Society of America, Feb. 2012. Web. 22 Feb. 2013.

[4] Plafker, G., and S. N. Ward (1992), Backarc thrust faulting and tectonic uplift along the Caribbean Sea Coast during the April 22, 1991 Costa Rica earthquake, Tectonics, 11(4), 709–718, doi:10.1029/92TC00609.