the biology and geology of deep-sea coral habitats /
First Statement of Responsibility
J. Murray Roberts [and others].
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Place of Publication, Distribution, etc.
New York :
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Cambridge University Press,
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2009.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
1 online resource (xvi, 334 pages) :
Other Physical Details
illustrations (some color)
INTERNAL BIBLIOGRAPHIES/INDEXES NOTE
Text of Note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-323) and index.
CONTENTS NOTE
Text of Note
History and research approaches -- Cold water corals -- Biology -- Reefs and mounds -- Habitats and ecology -- Palaeontology -- Corals as archives -- Impacts and conservation.
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SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
There are more coral species in deep, cold-waters than in tropical coral reefs. This broad-ranging treatment is the first to synthesise current understanding of all types of cold-water coral, covering their ecology, biology, palaeontology and geology. Beginning with a history of research in the field, the authors describe the approaches needed to study corals in the deep sea. They consider coral habitats created by stony scleractinian as well as octocoral species. The importance of corals as long-lived geological structures and palaeoclimate archives is discussed, in addition to ways in which they can be conserved. Topic boxes explain unfamiliar concepts, and case studies summarise significant studies, coral habitats or particular conservation measures. Written for professionals and students of marine science, this text is enhanced by an extensive glossary, online resources, and a unique collection of colour photographs and illustrations of corals and the habitats they form.