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Historical Review and Changing Terminology

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Reef-Platform Coral Boulders

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Earth Sciences ((BRIEFSEARTH))

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Abstract

Coastal boulders are often prominent features in the coastal landscape, sometimes mapped on nautical charts and named by local people. The vernacular names occasionally furnish vital clues to identify the original event that created the boulders. Coral boulders were first mentioned in the literature two centuries ago when scientists started to explore the Great Barrier Reef. The significance of coral boulders has long fuelled scientific debate, interpreted by some as remnants of former elevated reefs or by others as an inheritance from the action of past storm waves. For more than a century ‘negro-head’ was the seminal expression used to portray the emerged black-coloured rocks observed on reef platforms. Fortunately, this inappropriate choice became outmoded during the twentieth century and new terms have since been employed. Despite the existence of a specified grain-size scale to define large clasts, inconsistent nomenclature and the plethora of synonyms now in use causes some confusion.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    To all modern readers this antiquated expression should rightfully be considered as repugnant and wholly inappropriate. As such, its usage is in no way condoned by the authors nor is any offense intended. The expression is mentioned solely for the purpose of providing an accurate historical review, since this was the recognised term for reef-platform boulders for well over a century.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, AS2, 1 Arts Link, Kent Ridge, Singapore, 117570, Singapore

    James P. Terry & A. Y. Annie Lau

  2. Laboratoire de Géomorphologie et Environnement Littoral, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Dinard, France

    Samuel Etienne

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  1. James P. Terry
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  2. A. Y. Annie Lau
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  3. Samuel Etienne
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Correspondence to James P. Terry .

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Terry, J.P., Lau, A.Y.A., Etienne, S. (2013). Historical Review and Changing Terminology. In: Reef-Platform Coral Boulders. SpringerBriefs in Earth Sciences. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4451-33-8_2

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