Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Taphonomy of coral reefs: a review

  • Published:
Coral Reefs Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This review summarises the major factors that affect the post-mortem history of skeletons in a coral reef environment. Skeletal material is traced from life, through death, breakdown, transport, burial and diagenesis to its final fossil form. The fact that most reef sediments are of skeletal composition poses problems of concentration or dilution of individual grain types in taphonomic analysis of reefs. Rates of supply of grains vary, not only with organism abundance and skeletal growth rates, but also with rates of physical and biological breakdown to transportable sediment. Physical and organic processes affect sedimentary structures and textures by mixing or segregating skeletal grains, though biogenic processes normally dominate in the protected setting of reef lagoons. The soft and hard substrates associated with reefs present different media for calcium carbonate accumulation and post-depositional disturbance, for example, loose sediments suffer bioturbation and rocks surfaces suffer bioerosion. The wide range of durability of skeletons and their susceptibility to diagenesis contribute further to the complexities of the preservation of coral reefs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ager DV (1963) Principles of paleoecology. McGraw Hill, New York, p 371

    Google Scholar 

  • Aïssaoui CM, Buigues D, Purser BH (1986) Model of reef diagenesis: Mururoa Atoll, French Polynesia. In: Schroeder JH, Purser BH (eds) Reef diagenesis. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 27–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexandersson T (1972) Micritization of carbonate particles: processes of precipitation and dissolution in modern shallow-marine sediments. Bull Geol Inst Univ Uppsala 3:201–236

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexandersson ET (1979) Marine maceration of skeletal carbonates in the Skagerrak, North Sea. Sedimentology 26:845–852

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen JRL (1984) Experiments on the settling, overturning and entrainment of bivalve shells and related models. Sedimentology 31:227–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen JRL (1990) Transport — hydrodynamics: shells. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 227–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Aller RC (1982) Carbonate dissolution in nearshore terrigenous muds: the role of physical and biological reworking. J Geol 90:75–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison PA (1986) Soft-bodied fossils: the role of decay in fragmentation during transport. Geology 14:979–981

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison PA (1988) The role of anoxia in the decay and mineralization of proteinaceous macrofossils. Paleobiology 14:139–154

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison PA (1990a) Decay processes. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 213–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison PA (1990b) Vatiation in rates of decay and disarticulation of Echinodermata: Implications for the application of actualistic data. Palaios 5:432–440

    Google Scholar 

  • Allison PA (1990c) Pyrite. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 253–255

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson TF, Bender ML, Broecker WS (1973) Surface areas of biogenic carbonates and their relation to fossil ultrastructure and diagenesis. J Sediment Petrol 43:471–477

    Google Scholar 

  • Badgley C (1986) Counting individuals in mammalian fossil assemblages from fluvial environments. Palaios 1:328–338

    Google Scholar 

  • Bathurst RGC (1966) Boring algae, micrite envelopes and lithification of molluscan biosparites. Geol J 5:15–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Bathurst RGC (1975) Carbonate sediments and their diagenesis. Elsevier, Amsterdam, p 658

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger WH, Ekdale AA, Bryant PP (1979) Selective preservation of burrows in deep sea carbonates. Mar Geol 32:205–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Berner RA (1984) Sedimentary pyrite formation: an update. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 48:605–615

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonem RM (1990) Recognition of storm impact on the reef sediment record. Proc 6th Int Coral Reef Symp 2:475–478

    Google Scholar 

  • Boss SK, Liddell WD (1987) Back-reef and fore-reef analogs in the Pleistocene of North Jamaica: implications for facies recognition and sediment flux in fossil reefs. Palaios 2:219–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Boucot AJ (1953) Life and death assemblages among fossils. Am J Sci 251:25–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Braithwaite CJR (1973) Settling behaviour related to sieve analysis of skeletal sands. Sedimentology 20:251–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Brenchley PJ, Newall (1970) Flume experiments on the orientation and transport of models and shells. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 7:185–220

    Google Scholar 

  • Brett CE (1990a) Obrution deposits. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 239–243

    Google Scholar 

  • Brett CE (1990b) Destructive taphonomic processes and skeletal durability. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 223–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Brett CE, Baird GC (1986) Comparative taphonomy: a key to paleoenvironmental interpretation based on fossil preservation. Palaios 1:207–227

    Google Scholar 

  • Brett CE, Speyer SE (1990) Taphofacies. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther RR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 258–263

    Google Scholar 

  • Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (1990) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, p 583

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG (1970) Borings as trace fossils and Entobia cretacea Portlock as an example. In: Crimes TP, Harper JC (eds) Trace fossils. Steel House Press, Liverpool, pp 49–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG (1975) Bioerosion of Bermuda reefs. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 23:169–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG (1990) Trace fossils: biology and taphonomy. Unwin Hyman, London, p 280

    Google Scholar 

  • Buddemeier RW, Oberdorfer JA (1986) Internal hydrology and geochemistry of coral reefs and atoll islands: key to diagenetic variations. In: Schroeder JH, Purser BH (eds) Reef diagenesis. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 91–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter RC (1985) Sea urchin mass mortality: effects on reef algal abundance, species composition and metabolism and other reef herbivores. Proc 5th Int Coral Reef Symp 4:53–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE (1960) Carbonate skeletons to limestones: problems. NY Acad Sci Trans Ser II 23:14–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE (1962) Factors influencing the mineralogy of carbonate sediments. Limnol Oceanogr 7:218–233

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE (1962) Skeletal durability and preservation. In: Imbrie J, Newell ND (eds) Approaches to paleoecology. Wiley, New York, pp 377–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE (1965) Calcium carbonate: association with organic matter in surface seawater. Science 148:1723–1724

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE, Schmalz RF (1966) Carbonate-seawater interactions. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 30:1037–1048

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE, Suess E (1967) Suspended minerals in seawater. Trans NY Acad Sci Ser II 29:991–1000

    Google Scholar 

  • Chave KE, Smith SV, Royal KI (1972) Carbonate production by coral reefs. Mar Geol 12:123–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi DR, Ginsburg RN (1983) Distribution of coelobites (cavity dwellers) in coral reef rubble across the Florida Reef tract. Coral Reefs 2:165–172

    Google Scholar 

  • Constantz BR (1986) The primary surface area of corals and variations in their susceptibility to diagenesis. In: Schroeder JH, Purser BH (eds) Reef diagenesis. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 53–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig GY (1967) Size frequency distributions of living and dead populations of pelecypods from Bimini, Bahamas, BWI. J Geol 75:34–45

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig GY, Jones NS (1966) Marine benthos, substrate and palaeoecology. Palaeontology 9:30–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullis CG (1904) The mineralogical changes observed in the cores of the Funafuti borings. The Atoll of Funafuti. Sect XIV Royal Soc, London, pp 392–420

    Google Scholar 

  • Cummins H, Powell EN, Stanton RJ Jr, Staff G (1986a) The size-frequency distribution in palaeoecology: effects of taphonomic process during formation of molluscan death assemblages in Texas Bays. Palaeontology 29:495–518

    Google Scholar 

  • Cummins H, Powell EN, Stanton RJ Jr, Staff G (1986b) The rate of taphonomic loss in modern benthic habitats: how much of the potentially preservable community is preserved? Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 52:291–320

    Google Scholar 

  • Driscoll EG (1967) Experimental field study of shell abrasion. Pan-Am Petrol 37:1117–1123

    Google Scholar 

  • Efremov JA (1940) Taphonomy: a new branch of geology. Pan-Am Geol 74:81–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Einsele G, Seilacher A (1982) Paleogeographic significance of tempestites and periodites. In: Einsele G, Seilacher A (eds) Cyclic and event stratification. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 531–536

    Google Scholar 

  • Endean R (1973) Population explosions of Acanthaster planci and associated destruction of hermatypic corals in the Indo-West Pacific region. In: Jones OA, Endean R (eds) Biology and geology of coral reefs, vol II: Biology I. Academic Press, New York, pp 389–438

    Google Scholar 

  • Enos P, Perkins RD (1977) Quaternary sedimentation in South Florida. Geol Soc Am Mem 14

  • Fagerstrom JA (1964) Fossil communities in paleoecology: their recognition and significance. Geol Soc Am Bull 75:1197–1216

    Google Scholar 

  • Farrimond P, Eglinton G (1990) The record of organic components and the nature of source rocks. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 217–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Featherstone RP, Risk MJ (1977) Effect of tube-building polychaetes on intertidal sediments of the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy. J Sediment Petrol 47:446–450

    Google Scholar 

  • Flessa KW, Fürsich FT (1987) Taphonomy of tidal flat molluscs in the northern Gulf of California: paleoenvironmental analysis despite the perils of preservation. Palaios 2:543–559

    Google Scholar 

  • Folk RL (1962) S ectral subdivision of limestone types. In: Ham WE (ed) Classification of carbonate rocks. Am Assoc Petrol Geol Mem I: 62–84

  • Folk RL, Robles R (1864) Carbonate sands of Isla Perez Alacran reef complex, Yucatan. J Geol 72:255–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Force LM (1969) Calcium carbonate size distribution on the west Florida Shelf and experimental studies on the microarchitectural control of skeletal breakdown. J Sediment Petrol 39:902–934

    Google Scholar 

  • Frey RW (1978) Behavioural and ecologic implications of trace fossils. In: Basan PB (ed) Trace fossil concepts: Soc Econ Paleont Mineral Short Course 5:43–66

  • Frey RW (1987) Hermit crabs: neglected factors in taphonomy and paleoecology. Palaios 2:313–332

    Google Scholar 

  • Fürsich FT (1978) The influence of faunal condensation and mixing on the preservation of fossil benthic communities. Lethaia 11:243–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Fürsich FT (1990) Fossil concentrations and life and death assemblages. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 235–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Futterer DK (1974) Significance of boring sponge Cliona for the origin of fine-grained material of carbonate sediments. J Sediment Petrol 44:79–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Futterer E (1978) Hydrodynamic behaviour of biogenic particles. Neues Jahrbuch Geol Palaeontol Abh 157:37–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Garrett P, Smith DL, Wilson AO, Patriquin D (1971) Physiography, ecology and sediments of two Bermuda patch reefs. J Geol 79:647–668

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsburg RN (1957) Early diagenesis and lithification of shallow-water carbonate sediments in south Florida. In: LeBlanc RJ, Breeding JG (eds) Regional aspects of carbonate deposition. Soc Econ Paleontol Mineral Spec Publ 5:80–99

  • Ginsburg RN, Lowenstam HA (1958) The influence of marine bottom communities on the depositional environment of sediments. J Geol 66:310–318

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsburg RN, Schroeder JH (1973) Growth and submarine fossilization of algal cup reefs, Bermuda. Sedimentology 20:575–614

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsburg RN, Lloyd RM, Stockman KW, McCallum JS (1963) Shallow-water carbonate sediments. In: Hill MN (ed) The seas 3:554–582

  • Gladfelter WB (1982) White-band disease in Acropora palmata: implications for the structure and growth of shallow reefs. Bull Mar Sci 32:639–643

    Google Scholar 

  • Glover ED, Pray LC (1971) High-magnesium calcite and aragonite cementation within modern subtidal sediment grains. In: Bricker OP (ed) Carbonate cements. Johns Hopkins Univ Stud Geol 19:80–87

  • Glynn PW (1984) Widespread coral mortality and the 1982/83 El Niño warming event. Env Conserv 11:133–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Glynn PW (1988) El Niño warming, coral mortality and reef framework destruction by echinoid bioerosion in the eastern Pacific. Galaxea 7:129–160

    Google Scholar 

  • Golubic S, Perkins RD, Lukas KJ (1975) Boring microorganisms and microborings in carbonate substrates. In: Frey RW (ed) The study of trace fossils. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 229–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould SJ (1991) Wonderful life: The Burgess shale and the nature of history. Penguin Books, London, p 347

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenstein BJ (1989) Mass mortality of the West Indian echinoid Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata: Echinoidea): a natural experiment in taphonomy. Palaios 4:487–492

    Google Scholar 

  • Hallam A (1967) The interpreation of size-frequency distributions in molluscan death assemblages. Palaeontology 10:25–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Hallam A, O'Hara MJ (1962) Aragonitic fossils in the Lower Carboniferous of Scotland. Nature 195:273–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Hughes TP, Keller BD, Jackson JBC, Boyle MJ (1985) Mass mortality of the echinoid Diadema antillarum Phillippi in Jamaica. Bull Mar Sci 36:377–384

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey JD, Ransom KL, Matthews RK (1986) Early meteoric diagenetic control of Upper Smackover production, Oaks Field, Louisiana. Am Assoc Petrol Geol 70:70–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchings PA (1986) Biological destruction of coral reefs. A review. Coral Reefs 4:239–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson JBC (1977) Competition on marine hard substrata: the adaptive significance of solitary and colonial strategies. Am Nat 111:743–769

    Google Scholar 

  • James NP (1974) Diagenesis of scleractinian corals in the subaerial vadose environment. J Paleontol 48:785–799

    Google Scholar 

  • James NP, Ginsburg RN (1979) The seaward margin of Belize barrier and atoll reefs. Int Assoc Sediment Spec Publ 3:1–191

    Google Scholar 

  • James NP, Ginsburg RN, Marszalek DS, Choquette PW, (1976) Facies and fabric specificity of early subsea cements in shallow Belize (British Honduras) reefs. J Sediment Petrol 46:523–544

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson RG (1960) Models and methods for the analysis of the mode of formation of fossil assemblages. Geol Soc Am Bull 71:1075–1086

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson RG (1964) The community approach to paleoecology. In: Imbrie J, Newell ND (eds) Approaches to paleoecology. Wiley, New York, pp 107–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy WJ, Hall A (1967) The influence of organic matter on the preservation of aragonite in fossils. Proc Geol Soc Lond 1643:253–255

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM (1986a) Model for fossil concentrations: paleobiologic implications. Paleobiology 12:6–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM (1986b) Taphonomic feedback in Miocene assemblages: testing the role of dead hardparts in benthic communities. Palaios 1:239–255

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM (1989) Stratigraphic condensation of marine transgressive records: origin of major shell deposits in the Miocene of Maryland. J Geol 97:1–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM, Baumiller T (1990) Experimental disintegration of regular echinoids: roles of temperature, oxygen and decay thresholds. Paleobiology 16:247–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM, Jablonski D (1983) Taphonomic feedback: ecological consequences of shell accumulation. In: Tevesz MJS, McCall PL (eds) Biotic interactions in Recent and fossil benthic communities. Plenum Press, New York, pp 195–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Kidwell SM, Fürsich FT, Aigner T (1986) Conceptual framework for the analysis and classification of fossil concentrations. Palaios 1:228–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobluk DR (1988) Cryptic faunas in reefs: ecology and geologic importance. Palaios 3:379–390

    Google Scholar 

  • Kobluk DR, Kahle CF (1977) Bibliography of the endolithic (boring) agae and fungi and related geological processes. Bull Can Petrol Geol 25:208–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Kranz PM (1974) Anastrophic burial of bivalves and its paleoecologic significance. J Geol 82:237–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Land LS (1967) Diagenesis of skeletal carbonates. J Sediment Petrol 37:914–930

    Google Scholar 

  • Land LS, Goreau TF (1970) Submarine lithification of Jamaican reefs. J Sediment Petrol 40:457–462

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence DR (1968) Taphonomy and information losses in fossil communities. Geol Soc Am Bull 79:1315–1330

    Google Scholar 

  • Lessios HA, Robertson DR, Cubit JD (1984) Spread of Diadema mass mortality through the Caribbean. Science 226:335–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Liddell WD, Ohlhorst SL (1986) Changes in benthic community composition following the mass mortality of Diadema at Jamaica. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 95:271–278

    Google Scholar 

  • Lighty RD (1985) Preservation of internal reef porosity and diagenetic sealing of submerged early Holocene barrier reef southeast Florida shelf. In: Schneidermann N, Harris PM (eds) Carbonate cements. Soc Econ Paleontol Mineral Spec Publ 36:123–151

  • Longman MW (1981) A process approach to recognizing facies of reef complexes. In: Toomey DF (ed) European fossil reef models. Soc Econ Paleontol Mineral Spec Publ 30:9–40

  • Loubere P (1989) Bioturbation and sedimentation rate control of benthic microfossil taxon abundances in surface sediments: a theoretical approach to the analysis of species microhabitats. Marine Micropaleontol 14:317–325

    Google Scholar 

  • Loubere P, Gary A (1990) Taphonomic process and species microhabitats in the living and fossil assemblage transition of deeper water benthic foraminifera. Palaios 5:375–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Macintyre IG (1970) Sediments of the west coast of Barbados: Diversity of origins. Mar Geol 9:5–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Macintyre IG (1977) Distribution of submarine cements in a modern Caribbean fringing reef, Galeta Point, Panama. J Sediment Petrol 47:503–516

    Google Scholar 

  • Macintyre IG (1985) Pre-burial and shallow-subsurface alteration of modern scleractinian corals. Palaeontogr Am 54:229–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Macintyre IG, Marshall JF (1988) Submarine lithification in coral reefs: some facts and misconceptions. Proc 6th Int Coral Reef Symp 1:263–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Maiklem WR (1968) Some hydraulic properties of bioclastic carbonate grains. Sedimentology 10:101–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Martindale W (1976) Calcareous encrusting organisms of the Recent and Pleistocene reefs of Barbados, West Indies. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Edinburgh, p 141

  • Martin-Kaye P (1951) Sorting of lamellibranch valves on beaches in Trinidad, BWI. Geol Mag 88:432–434

    Google Scholar 

  • May JA, Macintyre IG, Perkins RD (1982) Distribution of microborers within planted substrates along a barrier reef transect, Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. In: Rützler R, Macintyre IG (eds) The Atlantic Barrier reef ecosystem at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, pp 93–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Meldahl KH (1987) Sedimentologic and taphonomic implications of biogenic stratification. Palaios 2:350–358

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer DL, Meyer KB (1986) Biostratinomy of Recent crinoids (Echinodermata) at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Palaios 1:294–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitterer RM, Cunningham R Jr (1985) The interaction of natural organic matter with grain surfaces: implications for calcium carbonate precipitation. In: Schneidermann N, Harris PM (eds) Carbonate cements. Soc Econ Paleontol Mineral Spec Publ 36:17–31

  • Moran PJ, Reichelt RE, Bradbury RE (1986) An assessment of the geological evidence for previous Acanthaster outbreaks. Coral Reefs 4:235–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Müller AH (1979) Fossilization (taphonomy). In: Robison RA, Teichert C (eds) Treatise on invertebrate paleontology. A fossilization (taphonomy), biogeography and biostratigraphy. Geol Soc Am Boulder, and Kansas University Press, Lawrence, A2-A78

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagle JS (1967) Wave and current orientation of shells. J Sediment Petrol 37:1124–1138

    Google Scholar 

  • Neumann AC (1965) Process of Recent carbonate sedimentation in Harrington Sound, Bermuda. Bull Mar Sci Gulf Caribbean 15:987–1035

    Google Scholar 

  • Neumann AC (1966) Observations on coastal erosion in Bermuda and measurements of the boring rate of the sponge Cliona lampa. Limnol Oceanogr 11:92–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Neumann AC, Land LS (1975) Lime mud deposition and calcareous algae in the Bight of Abaco, Bahamas: a budget. J Sediment Petrol 45:763–786

    Google Scholar 

  • Newmann AC, Gebelein CD, Scoffin TP (1970) The composition, structure and erodability of subtidal mats, Abaco, Bahamas. J Sediment Petrol 40:274–297

    Google Scholar 

  • Nichols JA, Rowe GT, Clifford CH, Young RA (1978) In-situ experiments on the burial of marine invertebrates. J SEdiment Petrol 48:419–425

    Google Scholar 

  • Noe-Nygaard N, Surlyk F, Piasecki S (1987) Bivalve mass mortality caused by toxic dinoflagellate blooms in a Berriasian-Valanginian Lagoon, Bornholm, Denmark. Palaios 2:263–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Norris RD (1986) Taphonomic gradients in shelf fossil assemblages: Pliocene Purisima Formation, California. Palaios 1:256–270

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandolfi JM (1992) A palaeobiological examination of the geological evidence for recurring outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci (L). Coral Reefs 11:87–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Perkins RD, Halsey SD (1971) Geological significance of microboring fungi and algae in Carolina Shelf sediments. J Sediment Petrol 41:843–853

    Google Scholar 

  • Plotnick RE (1986) Taphonomy of a modern shrimp: Implications for the arthropod fossil record. Palaios 1:286–293

    Google Scholar 

  • Prévôt L, Lucas J (1990) Phosphate. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 256–257

    Google Scholar 

  • Purdy EG (1963) Recent calcium carbonate facies of the Great Bahama Bank. 2 Sedimentary facies. J Geol 71:472–497

    Google Scholar 

  • Purdy EG (1964) Sediments as substrates. In: Imbrie J, Newell ND (eds) Approaches to paleoecology. Wiley, New York, pp 238–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen KA (1983) An ecologic and taphonomic analysis of submarine cave community: Salt River Canyon, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. M Sc thesis, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, p 149

  • Rasmussen KA, Brett CE (1985) Taphonomy of Holocene cryptic biotas from St Croix, Virgin Islands: information loss and preservational biases. Geology 13:551–553

    Google Scholar 

  • Rhoads DC, Stanley DJ (1965) Biogenic graded bedding. J Sediment Petrol 35:956–963

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts HH, Wiseman WJ, Suchanek TH (1981) Lagoon sediment transport: the significant effect of Callianassa bioturbation. Proc 4th Int Coral Reef Symp 1:459–465

    Google Scholar 

  • Rolfe WDI, Brett DW (1969) Fossilization process. In: Eglinton G, Murphy (eds) Organic geochemistry. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 213–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Russ GR (1982) Overgrowth in a marine epifaunal community: competitive hierarchies and competitive networks. Oecologia 53:12–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Rützler K (1975) The role of burrowing sponges in bioerosion. Oecologia 19:203–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Rützler K, Reiger G (1973) Sponge burrowing: fine structure of Cliona lampa penetrating calcareous substrate: Mar Biol 21:144–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Schäfer W (1972) Ecology and paleoecology of marine environments. Univ Chicago Press, Chicago, p 568

    Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder JH (1972a) Calcified filaments of an endolithic alga in Recent Bermuda Reefs. Neues Jahrbuch Geol Palaeontol Jg, pp 16–33

  • Schroeder JH (1972b) Fabrics and sequences of submarine carbonate cements in Holocene Bermuda cup reefs. Geol Rundsch 61:708–730

    Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder JH, Zankl H (1974) Dynamic reef formation: a sedimentological concept based on studies of Recent Bermuda reefs. Proc 2nd Int Coral Reef Symp 2:413–428

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1970) The trapping and binding of subtidal carbonate sediments by marine vegetation in Bimini Lagoon, Bahamas. J Sediment Petrol 40:248–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1972a) The fossilization of Bermuda patch reefs. Science 178:1280–1282

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1972b) Cavities in the reefs of the Wenlock Limestone (Mid-Silurian) of Shropshire, England. Geol Rundsch 61:565–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1981) Aspects of the preservation of deep and shallow water reefs. Proc 4th Int Coral Reef Symp 1:499–501

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP (1992) Microfabric of carbonate mud in reefs. In: Rezak R, Lavoie D (eds) Carbonate microfabrics. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, in press

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP, Garrett P (1974) Processes in the formation and preservation of internal structure in Bermuda patch reefs. Proc 2nd Int Symp Coral Reefs 2:429–448

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP, Hendry MD (1984) Shallow-water sclerosponges on Jamaican reefs and a criterion for recognition of hurricane deposits. Nature 307:728–729

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoffin TP, Stearn CW, Boucher D, Frydl P, Hawkins CM, Hunter IG, McGeachy JK (1980) Calcium carbonate budget of a fringing reef on the west coast of Barbados. Pt II. Erosion, sediments and internal structure. Bull Mar Sci 302:457–508

    Google Scholar 

  • Scott PJB, Risk MJ, Carriquiry JD (1990) El Niño, bioerosion and the survival of east Pacific reefs. Proc 6th Int Coral Reef Sym 2:517–520

    Google Scholar 

  • Seilacher A (1973) Biostratinomy: the sedimentology of biologically standardized particles. In: Ginsburg RN (ed) Evolving concepts in sedimentology. Johns Hopkins University Press, pp 159–177

  • Seilacher A (1982) General remarks about event deposit In: Einsele G, Seilacher A (eds) Cyclic and event stratification. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 161–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Seilacher A (1990) Taphonomy of fossil-Lagerstätten: an overview. In: Briggs DEG, Crowther PR (eds) Palaeobiology: a synthesis. Blackwell, Oxford, pp 266–270

    Google Scholar 

  • Seilacher A, Reif W-E, Westphal F (1985) Sedimentological, ecological and temporal patterns of fossil Lagerstätten. Philos Trans R Soc London Ser B 311:5–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Siever R (1962) Silica solubility, O-200° C and the diagenesis of siliceous sediments. J Geol 70:127–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith SV (1983) Coral reef calcification. In: Barnes DJ (ed) Perspectives on coral reefs. Clouston, Canberra, pp 240–247

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorby HC (1879) The structure and origin of limestones. Proc Geol Soc London 35:56–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Speyer SE, Brett CE (1986) Trilobite taphonomy and Middle Devonian taphofacies. Palaios 1:312–327

    Google Scholar 

  • Staff G, Stanton RJ Jr, Powell EN, Cummins H (1986) Time-averaging, taphonomy and the community concept in paleoecology: a lesson from death assemblages in Texas Bays. Geol Soc Am Bull 97:428–443

    Google Scholar 

  • Stearn CW, Scoffin TP, Martindale W (1977) Calcium carbonate budget of a fringing reef on the west coast of Barbados Pt. 1. Zonation and productivity. Bull Mar Sci 27:479–510

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoddart DR (1971) Coral reefs and islands and catastrophic storms. In: Steers JA (ed) Applied coastal geomorphology. Macmillan Press, London, pp 155–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoddart DR, Scoffin TP (1983) Phosphate rock on coral reef islands. In: Goudie AS, Pye K (eds) Chemical sediments and geomorphology. Academic Press, London, pp 369–400

    Google Scholar 

  • Strasser A (1984) Black pebble occurrence and genesis in Holocene carbonate sediments (Florida Keys, Bahamas, and Tunisia). J Sediment Petrol 54:1097–1109

    Google Scholar 

  • Swinchatt JP (1965) Significance of constituent composition, texture and skeletal breakdown in some Recent carbonate sediments. J Sediment Petrol 35:71–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Tudhope AW, Risk MJ (1985) Rate of dissolution of carbonate sediments by microboring organisms, Davies Reef, Australia. J Sediment Petrol 55:440–447

    Google Scholar 

  • Tudhope AW, Scoffin TP (1984) The effects of Callianassa bioturbation on the preservation of carbonate grains in Davies Reef Lagoon, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. J Sediment Petrol 54:1091–1096

    Google Scholar 

  • Walbran PD, Henderson RA, Faithful JW, Polach HA, Sparks RJ, Wallace G, Lowe DC (1989) Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef: a geological perspective based upon the sediment record. Coral Reefs, 8:67–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker SE (1989) Hermit crabs as taphonomic agents. Palaios 4:439–452

    Google Scholar 

  • Walter LM (1985) Relative reactivity of biogenic carbonates during dissolution: Implications for diagenesis. In: Schneidermann N, Harris PM (eds) Carbonate cements. Soc Econ Paleontol Mineral Spec Publ 36:3–16

  • Walter LM, Morse JW (1984) Reactive surface area of skeletal carbonates during dissolution: effect of grain size. J Sediment Petrol 54:1081–1090

    Google Scholar 

  • Wanless HR (1979) Limestone response to stress: pressure solution and dolomitization. J Sediment Petrol 59:437–462

    Google Scholar 

  • Warme JE (1967) Graded bedding in recent sediments of Mugu Lagoon, California. J Sediment Petrol 37:540–547

    Google Scholar 

  • Warme JE (1975) Borings as trace fossils, and the process of marine bioerosion. In: Frey RW (ed) The study of trace fossils. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 181–227

    Google Scholar 

  • Warme JE (1977) Carbonate borers—their role in reef ecology and preservation. In: Frost SH, Weiss MP, Saunders JB (eds) Reefs and related carbonates—ecology and sedimentology. Am Assoc Petrol Geol Stud Geol 4:261–280

  • Yingst JY, Aller RC (1982) Biological activity and associated sedimentary structures in HEBBLE-area deposits, western North Atlantic. Mar Geol 48:M7-M15

    Google Scholar 

  • Young DK, Rhoads DC (1971) Animal-sediment relations in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. I. A transect study. Mar Biol II:242–254

    Google Scholar 

  • Zankl H, Schroeder JH (1972) Interaction of genetic processes in Holocene reefs off North Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. Geol Rundsch 61:520–541

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JW, Edinburgh, Scotland

    T. P. Scoffin

Authors
  1. T. P. Scoffin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Scoffin, T.P. Taphonomy of coral reefs: a review. Coral Reefs 11, 57–77 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357423

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357423

Keywords

Search

Navigation