Curtin University Homepage
  • Library
  • Help
    • Admin

    espace - Curtin’s institutional repository

    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
    View Item 
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item

    Quaternary onset and evolution of Kimberley coral reefs (Northwest Australia) revealed by high-resolution seismic imaging

    Access Status
    Fulltext not available
    Authors
    Bufarale, Giada
    Collins, L.
    O'Leary, Mick
    Stevens, Alexandra
    Kordi, M.
    Solihuddin, T.
    Date
    2016
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Bufarale, G. and Collins, L. and O'Leary, M. and Stevens, A. and Kordi, M. and Solihuddin, T. 2016. Quaternary onset and evolution of Kimberley coral reefs (Northwest Australia) revealed by high-resolution seismic imaging. Continental Shelf Research. 123: pp. 80-88.
    Source Title
    Continental Shelf Research
    DOI
    10.1016/j.csr.2016.04.002
    ISSN
    0278-4343
    School
    Department of Environment and Agriculture
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/7568
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.The inner shelf Kimberley Bioregion of Northwest Australia is characterised by a macrotidal setting where prolific coral reefs growth as developed around a complex drowned landscape and is considered a biodiversity "hotspot". High-resolution shallow seismic studies were conducted across various reef settings in the Kimberley (Buccaneer Archipelago, north of Dampier Peninsula, latitude: between 16°40'S and 16°00'S) to evaluate stratigraphic evolution, interaction with different substrates, morphological patterns and distribution. Reef sites were chosen to assess most of the reef types present, particularly high intertidal planar reefs and fringing reefs. Reef internal acoustic reflectors were identified according to their shape, stratigraphic position and characteristics. Two main seismic horizons were identified marking the boundaries between Holocene reef (Marine Isotope Stage 1, MIS 1, last 12 ky), commonly 10-20 m thick, and MIS 5 (Last Interglacial, LIG, ~120 ky, up to 12 m thick) and Proterozoic rock foundation over which Quaternary reef growth occurred. Within the Holocene Reef unit, at least three minor internal reflectors, generally discontinuous, subparallel to the reef flat were recognised and interpreted as either growth hiatuses or a change of the coral framework or sediment matrix. The LIG reefs represent a new northernmost occurrence along the Western Australian coast. The research presented here achieved the first regional geophysical study of the Kimberley reefs. Subbottom profiles demonstrated that the surveyed reefs are characterised by a multi-stage reef buildup, indicating that coral growth occurred in the Kimberley during previous sea level highstands. The data show also that antecedent substrate and regional subsidence have contributed, too, in determining the amount of accommodation available for reef growth and controlling the morphology of the successive reef building stages. Moreover, the study showed that in spite of macrotidal conditions, high-turbidity and frequent high-energy cyclonic events, corals have exhibited prolific reef growth during the Holocene developing significant reef accretionary structures. As a result coral reefs have generating habitat complexity and species diversity in what is a biodiversity hotspot.

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • Geomorphic patterns, internal architecture and reef growth in a macrotidal, high-turbidity setting of coral reefs from the Kimberley bioregion
      Collins, Lindsay; O'Leary, Mick; Stevens, Alexandra; Bufarale, G.; Kordi, M.; Solihuddin, T. (2015)
      The coral reefs of the Kimberley bioregion are situated in an area that is considered a significant ‘biodiversity hotspot’ and are poorly known and of recognised international significance. This paper is a review of ongoing ...
    • Geomorphic classification of coral reefs in the north-western Australian shelf
      Kordi, Moataz Nael S; O'Leary, Mick (2016)
      Coral reefs occur extensively along the northwest Australian continental shelf in the Kimberley Bioregion (KIM), forming major geomorphic features along and just off the coast. These reefs have not been studied in as much ...
    • Holocene coral reef growth and sea level in a macrotidal, high turbidity setting: Cockatoo Island, Kimberley Bioregion, northwest Australia
      Solihuddin, T.; Collins, Lindsay; Blakeway, D.; O'Leary, M. (2015)
      The inshore Kimberley Bioregion of northwest Australia is a macrotidal, low wave energy, frequent cyclones, and high turbidity setting with abundant fringing coral reefs. Here we describe the Holocene development of a ...
    Advanced search

    Browse

    Communities & CollectionsIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument TypeThis CollectionIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument Type

    My Account

    Admin

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    Follow Curtin

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    CRICOS Provider Code: 00301JABN: 99 143 842 569TEQSA: PRV12158

    Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy statement | Accessibility

    Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.