Abstract
The morphology of coral reefs provides an effective benchmark of past sea levels because of their limited vertical range of formation and good geologic preservation. In this study, we analyze the seafloor morphology around two atolls in the Philippines: Tubbataha Reef, in Palawan, and Apo Reef, in Occidental Mindoro. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry to a depth of 200 m reveals seafloor features including reef ridges and staircase-like terraces and scarps. Depth profiles across the reefs show terraces formed within six and seven depth ranges in Tubbataha Reef and in Apo Reef, respectively. These were further observed through a remotely operated vehicle. The terraces and scarps are interpreted as backstepping reefs that were drowned during an overall rise in sea level from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Terraces are used as indicators of paleo sea level and the separation between terraces as the magnitude of sea-level rises coeval with meltwater pulse events during the last deglaciation. The pattern for both Apo and Tubbataha reefs indicates subsidence, consistent with the absence of Holocene emergent features and their atoll morphologies. Subsidence of up to 17 m since the LGM in Apo Reef is mainly attributed to the downbowing of the crust toward Manila Trench. In Tubbataha Reef, subsidence of up to 14 m is attributed to the continuous cooling of the volcanic crust underlying the atoll. These can be used to fill gaps in the tectonic history of the study sites from the last deglaciation.
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Data Availability
The datasets generated in the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Code availability
Not applicable.
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Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development (DOST-PCARRD) Geophysical Coral Mapping Project and Acquisition of Detailed Bathymetry for Coastal Erosion Management Project both under F. P. Siringan, and National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment (NACRE) Project under Hazel Arceo. We would like to mention, in particular, Dominic Jone Cabactulan, Timothy Quimpo, Ronald Olavides, Mary Ann Calleja, Patrick Cabaitan, and Cesar Villanoy who were members of the project team. We thank the Tubbataha Management Office, Sablayan Local Government Unit, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the work permits and logistical help during the surveys.
Funding
The research is made possible through the funding of Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development (DOST-PCARRD) Geophysical Coral Mapping Project and Acquisition of Detailed Bathymetry for Coastal Erosion Management Project both under F. P. Siringan, and National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment (NACRE) Project under Hazel Arceo.
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J.M. conducted field surveys, processed and interpreted the data, and led the writing and development of the paper. He is the primary author and worked with the coauthors on the Philippine government-funded projects, “Acquisition of Detailed Bathymetry for Coastal Erosion and Management,” and “Geophysical Coral Mapping Project” which brought forth the findings contained in this submission. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
M. A. helped in the development of the paper and provided important discussions on tectonics.
E. T. and M.D. conducted field surveys, assisted in the processing of raw data, and helped organize the finalized datasets used in the study.
E. D. conducted coral reef surveys and interpreted the coral composition data.
F.D. conceptualized the research work, assisted in several field surveys, identified appropriate methods, and provided overall guidance in the development of this paper.
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Munar, J.C., Aurelio, M.A., Dumalagan, E.E. et al. Submerged reef features in Apo and Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines, revealed paleo sea-level history during the last deglaciation. Geo-Mar Lett 44, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-024-00764-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-024-00764-7