Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas: a biologically impoverished, physically controlled environment. Article

Goldberg, WM. (1983). Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas: a biologically impoverished, physically controlled environment. . Atoll Research Bulletin, 260-272(271), 1-17. 10.5479/si.00775630.271.1

cited authors

  • Goldberg, WM

abstract

  • Benthic communities on the bank are divided into 4 major zones based upon biotic composition and substrate. These are: 1) rubble-Lobophora, 2) Sargassum-gorgonian-sponge, 3) Halodule and associates, and 4) a patchy Thalassia zone. The biological structure of the bank lagoon is interpreted as being controlled largely by wind and periodic storm forces that result in frequent suspension and eventual offbank transport of sediment, especially to the southwest. These stresses prevent establishment of more complex coral reefs or coral communities, and promote domination by fleshy algae and other more tolerant organisms.-from Author

authors

publication date

  • January 1, 1983

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 1

end page

  • 17

volume

  • 260-272

issue

  • 271