Synonyms
Red algal nodules (balls or macroids); Rhodoids
Definition
Rhodoliths are defined as free-living nodules that are dominantly composed of calcifying red algae (mostly corallinaceae, occasionally peyssonneliaceae) commonly associated with other encrusters (foraminifera, bryozoans, bivalves, serpulid worms and/or corals). Their size ranges from less than 30 mm to about 300 mm (Bosellini and Ginsburg, 1971).
Habitat and biotic composition: Rhodolith deposits occur worldwide along shelves at euphotic depths (generally less than 150 m). The shape, internal structure, composition and growth rate of rhodoliths vary according to environment, water energy and depth. In reef provinces, the nodules from shallower, high to moderate energy environments (e.g., reef flats, proximal back-reefs and channels) exhibit massive spheroidal to branching ellipsoidal types, made up of mastophoroid (Hydrolithon, Neogoniolithon) and/or lithophylloid (Lithophyllum, Dermatolithon, Titanoderma)laminar...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Bibliography
Bosence, D. W. J., 1983. The occurrence and ecology of recent rhodoliths – a review. In Peryt, T. M. (ed.), Coated Grains. Berlin: Springer, pp. 225–242.
Bosellini, A., and Ginsburg, R. N., 1971. Form and internal structure of recent algal nodules (Rhodolites) from Bermuda. Journal of Geology, 79, 669–682.
Reid, R. P., and Macintyre, I. G., 1988. Foraminiferal-algal nodules from the Eastern Caribbean: growth history and implications on the value of nodules as paleoenvironmental indicators. Palaios, 3, 424–435.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this entry
Cite this entry
Montaggioni, L.F. (2011). Rhodoliths. In: Hopley, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2639-2_249
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2639-2_249
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-2638-5
Online ISBN: 978-90-481-2639-2
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Earth and Environmental Sciences