Naslov
The impact of seawater temperature on coral growth parameters of the colonial coral Cladocora caespitosa (Anthozoa, Scleractinia) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

Autori
Kružić, Petar ; Sršen, Pavica ; Benković, Laura

Izvornik
Facies (0172-9179) 58 (2012), 4; 477-491

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
annual growth; coral; Cladocora caespitosa; seawater temperature; Adriatic Sea

Sažetak
The scleractinian coral Cladocora caespitosa deserves a special place amongst the major carbonate bioconstructors of the Mediterranean Sea. Annual coral skeleton growth, coral calcification and skeleton density of the colonial coral C. caespitosa taken from twenty-five locations in the Eastern Adriatic Sea was analysed and compared with annual sea surface temperatures (SST). The growth rates of the coral C. caespitosa from the 25 stations in the Adriatic Sea ranged from 1.92 to 4.19 mm per year, with higher growth rates of the investigated corallites in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea. These growth rates are similar to those measured in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The correlation between coral growth and sea temperatures in the Adriatic Sea is seen as follows: An X-radiograph analysis of coral growth in C. caespitosa colonies that are over 60 years old showed that higher growth rates of this coral coincided with a warmer period in the Mediterranean Sea. A positive significant correlation exists between corallite growth rates and SST and coral calcification and SST. A negative correlation exists between coral density and SST. Coral growth rates also showed a correlation with higher euthrophication caused by nearby fish farms, along with a greater depth of the investigated colonies and high bottom currents.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA