Seminar: Dr. Jessica Carilli, U of M – Boston

Coral reefs as paleo-recorders of human impacts on coastal environments (Host: Justin Baumann)

Coral reefs are treasure-troves of historical records. Individual coral skeletons themselves track changes in water quality and temperature, as well as the coral response to these changing environmental conditions. Meanwhile, changes in coral and benthic foraminifera communities, both responsive to environmental changes, are recorded in reefs themselves and reef sediments. By comparing changes on reefs with differing human-impact histories, we can assess how human activities affect coastal habitats – including the efficacy of conservation efforts.