Sediment

Sediment Overload

Sources of Sediments

Agriculture Other forms of soil erosion

Effects of Sediments

Screening out light needed for photosynthesis. Loss of suitable substrate for juvenile coral. Complete smothering of corals. Eutrophication. Toxic pesticides kill coral.

References

Burke L., Maidens J. Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean. 2004. World Resources Institute: Washington, DC. CORAL REEF SEDIMENTOLOGY: http://www.kmec.uhh.hawaii.edu/QUESTInfo/reefsEDM.pdf Rogers C.Responses of coral reefs and reef organisms to sedimentation. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES. Vol. 62: 185-202, 1990