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The Red Sea: Environmental Gradients Shape a Natural Laboratory in a Nascent Ocean

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Coral Reefs of the Red Sea

Part of the book series: Coral Reefs of the World ((CORW,volume 11))

Abstract

This chapter introduces the environmental gradients that characterize the broader Red Sea habitat. The Red Sea is formed by an actively spreading rift and notably has only one natural connection to the Indian Ocean – a narrow, shallow opening known as the Strait of Bab al Mandab. The resultant isolation undoubtedly plays a key role in shaping the environmental gradients, species endemism, and distinct evolutionary trajectory observed within the Red Sea. While this young ocean is known to be among the saltiest and warmest seas on Earth, there are important spatial and temporal gradients that likely influence the biological communities residing in its waters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

    Michael L. Berumen, Christian R. Voolstra, Daniele Daffonchio, Susana Agusti, Manuel Aranda, Burton H. Jones, Xosé Anxelu G. Morán & Carlos M. Duarte

  2. AZTI, Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

    Xabier Irigoien

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  2. Christian R. Voolstra
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael L. Berumen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Red Sea Research Center, KAUST University, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

    Christian R. Voolstra

  2. Red Sea Research Center, KAUST University, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

    Michael L. Berumen

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Berumen, M.L. et al. (2019). The Red Sea: Environmental Gradients Shape a Natural Laboratory in a Nascent Ocean. In: Voolstra, C., Berumen, M. (eds) Coral Reefs of the Red Sea. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 11. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05802-9_1

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