ST:Marine Reef Ecology

Catalog description

This semester long class will compare and contrast the shallow tropical marine ecological systems of the Pacific and Caribbean reefs. This course will explore the variation in reef systems seen between the two oceans and the causes behind this variation. Abiotic and biotic factors that influence shallow tropical marine systems will be discussed along with the greater oceanographic conditions, such as ocean circulation, ocean chemistry, and seafloor dynamics. Through active learning and lecture, students will learn about each ecosystem, in particular reef formation and growth, organisms that inhabit the reefs (dwellers, bioeroders, binders), sedimentation, and climate impact. No prerequisites.