Much more than just sediments: The importance of sediment composition for Great Barrier Reef ecosystems
Other Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
We can now identify the most damaging properties of sediment, associated particulate nutrients and its effects on ecological communities as it moves from catchment to reef. It is the fine grained (colloidal, clay and fine silts <20 μm), organic-rich sediment that has a critical impact on marine ecosystems through both direct effects (i.e. smothering) and increased reduction of benthic light relative to sediments produced in the marine environment. Marine sediments are commonly lighter in colour, carbonate-rich and mostly (but not always) coarser compared with land-sourced sediments. An improved understanding of the influence (including potential impacts) of sediment on GBR ecosystems and the ‘sea to source’ connections and interactions is required to guide management responses that reduce sediment delivery to the GBR.
Journal
N/A
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
21/78
ISBN/ISSN
N/A
Edition
N/A
Issue
N/A
Pages Count
20
Location
N/A
Publisher
Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, James Cook University
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
Cairns, QLD, Australia
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
N/A