Cold-Water Corals
The Biology and Geology of Deep-Sea Coral Habitats

This book provides a highly illustrated synthesis of research on cold-water corals worldwide.

J. Murray Roberts (Author), Andrew Wheeler (Author), André Freiwald (Author), Stephen Cairns (Author)

9781009263931, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 July 2022

370 pages
24.4 x 16.9 x 1.9 cm, 0.641 kg

'This is an absorbing, well-written book that does an excellent job of concisely presenting a huge amount of information. It is enhanced by excellent illustrations and figures, a glossary and case studies, as well as online supplementary material … those with an interest in marine science will find it a great addition to their bookshelf.' Bulletin of the British Ecological Society

There are more coral species in deep, cold-waters than in tropical coral reefs. This broad-ranging treatment is the first to synthesise current understanding of all types of cold-water coral, covering their ecology, biology, palaeontology and geology. Beginning with a history of research in the field, the authors describe the approaches needed to study corals in the deep sea. They consider coral habitats created by stony scleractinian as well as octocoral species. The importance of corals as long-lived geological structures and palaeoclimate archives is discussed, in addition to ways in which they can be conserved. Topic boxes explain unfamiliar concepts, and case studies summarise significant studies, coral habitats or particular conservation measures. Written for professionals and students of marine science, this text is enhanced by an extensive glossary, online resources, and a unique collection of colour photographs and illustrations of corals and the habitats they form.

Preface
1. History and research approaches
2. Cold-water corals
3. Biology
4. Reefs and mounds
5. Habitats and ecology
6. Palaeontology
7. Corals as archives
8. Impacts and conservation
9. References
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Conservation of the environment [RNK], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Marine biology [PSPM]