Ancient frameworks as modern templates: exploring reef rubble consolidation in an ancient reef system

Godbold A, James CC, Kießling W, Hohmann N, Jarochowska E, Corsetti FA, Bottjer DJ (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B: Biological Sciences Royal Society of London

Book Volume: 292

Article Number: 20242123

Journal Issue: 2040

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2123

Abstract

Both natural and human-induced stressors cause reef erosion, resulting in reef rubble formation. When consolidated, the rubble can facilitate reef recovery, sparking interest in artificial rubble stabilization as a method for reef restoration. However, our understanding of the natural processes governing coral reef regeneration within rubble beds is limited. This study examines the regeneration processes within ancient rubble frameworks in a Late Triassic carbonate platform. Results show that Late Triassic rubble environments exhibit successional trajectories similar to contemporary rubble environments. Key organisms such as sponges, calcareous red algae, bryozoans, microbes and scleractinian corals, which are instrumental in the consolidation of modern reef rubble, appear to have played comparable roles during the Late Triassic. The similarities between Late Triassic and modern reef rubble consolidation highlight enduring ecological mechanisms important for reef regeneration. This study deepens our understanding of reef dynamics and offers valuable insights for improving current reef restoration strategies, grounded in time-tested natural processes.

Authors with CRIS profile

Wolfgang Kießling Lehrstuhl für Paläoumwelt

Involved external institutions

University of Southern California (USC) US United States (USA) (US) Universiteit Utrecht (UU) / Utrecht University NL Netherlands (NL)

How to cite

APA:

Godbold, A., James, C.C., Kießling, W., Hohmann, N., Jarochowska, E., Corsetti, F.A., & Bottjer, D.J. (2025). Ancient frameworks as modern templates: exploring reef rubble consolidation in an ancient reef system. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B: Biological Sciences, 292(2040). https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2123

MLA:

Godbold, Amanda, et al. "Ancient frameworks as modern templates: exploring reef rubble consolidation in an ancient reef system." Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B: Biological Sciences 292.2040 (2025).

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