Rafting of reef corals and other organisms at Kwajalein atoll

Studies conducted at Kwajalein Atoll (9 degree N; 168 degree E) in early 1988 reveal that marine organisms are commonly rafted into the area on drift pumice, drift wood and other flotsam. The estimated minimum number of pumice fragments carrying corals into Kwajalein Atoll during its geological hist...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine biology 1989-01, Vol.101 (4), p.483-493
Main Author: JOKIEL, P. L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Anthozoa
Biological and medical sciences
Demecology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Marine
Millepora
Pocillopora
Porites
Protozoa. Invertebrata
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Summary:Studies conducted at Kwajalein Atoll (9 degree N; 168 degree E) in early 1988 reveal that marine organisms are commonly rafted into the area on drift pumice, drift wood and other flotsam. The estimated minimum number of pumice fragments carrying corals into Kwajalein Atoll during its geological history is on the order of 10 super(9), with a more realistic estimate in excess of 10 super(11). The estimated number of coral colonies rafted into the atoll would probably have to be increased several-fold if rafting on floating organic materials such as wood, charcoal, nuts and seeds could be determined. In the present study, a typical sample of beached pumice from Kwajalein Atoll contained 10 super(3) coral colonies per m super(3) of bulk pumice fragments. Major pumice rafting episodes frequently result from volcanic eruptions.
ISSN:0025-3162
1432-1793
DOI:10.1007/BF00541650