Geo-biology of Mediterranean deep-water coral ecosystems

Taviani M, Angeletti L, Antolini B, Ceregato A, Froglia C, López Correa M, Montagna P, Remia A, Trincardi F, Vertino A (2011)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2011

Publisher: National Research Council of Italy

Edited Volumes: Marine Research at CNR

City/Town: Rom

Pages Range: 705-719

URI: https://issuu.com/cnr-dta

Open Access Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232628431_Taviani_et_al_2011_Marine_Research_at_CNR

Abstract

Cold (or deep) water corals (CWC) are a spectacular and widespread component of the ocean biota. Highly structured CWC ecosystems serve as biodiversity hotspots suggesting the need for the proper management of these unique habitats. Among the most relevant actors in promoting the growth of conspicuous structures (deep water reefs and mounds) are branching stony corals like Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. These widespread frame-builders occur also in the Mediterranean basin and are the backbone of Recent CWC provinces identified thus far in the Ionian Sea (Santa Maria di Leuca), South Adriatic Sea, Strait of Sicily, Catalan-Provenc¸al canyons and Alboran Sea. CWC seem strongly influenced by oceanographic factors coupled with proper substrata, such as steep (canyon heads, seamount walls etc) or rugged (slumped blocks) topographies. Dead pre-Modern coral assemblages are present in the entire Sea. These submerged fossil assemblages have been mostly U/Th and 14C dated at the latest Pleistocene documenting propitious basin-wide conditions for their successful growth during glacial periods.

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How to cite

APA:

Taviani, M., Angeletti, L., Antolini, B., Ceregato, A., Froglia, C., López Correa, M.,... Vertino, A. (2011). Geo-biology of Mediterranean deep-water coral ecosystems. In Marine Research at CNR. (pp. 705-719). Rom: National Research Council of Italy.

MLA:

Taviani, Marco, et al. "Geo-biology of Mediterranean deep-water coral ecosystems." Marine Research at CNR. Rom: National Research Council of Italy, 2011. 705-719.

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