Webster et al. 2007:

"We now have a complete 3-dimensional view of the fossil reefs and terraces at the shelf edge of the GBR in four different regions along the North Queensland margin. This picture of the surface and subsurface includes a diverse suite of distinct fossil fringing reefs, barrier reefs, patch reefs, lagoons, old river channels, dunes and sand bars. Geochemical and sedimentological analyses of the recovered limestone samples will establish the age of the reefs and their paleoenvironmental conditions. Combined with a wealth of geophysical data (EM300, Topas and Sparker), analyses of these data may allow us to reconstruct the growth and demise of the GBR during successive periods of sea level and climate variability.

High-resolution stereographic images of the fossil reefs and the adjacent seabed using the AUV also show a diversity of modern benthic communities which currently inhabit these different environments and substrates. Combined with analyses of rock and sediment samples, we will gain a more quantitative understanding of the modern GBR biota that live on fossil reef systems deeper than 40 m.

We were also able to map for the first time, large and continuous sections of the margin of the GBR from the shallow shelf in 40 m to over 2 km into the deep Queensland Trough. Although not a primary objective of the voyage, these new data sets reveal a spectacular picture of the upper slope and deep margin of the GBR. This includes a network of submarine canyons, channels, mass debris deposits, and a new deep-water coral habitat observed at 1100 m in the Queensland Trough, called the GLORIA Knolls. Analysis of these data will generate significant discoveries as well as stimulate new expeditions to understand the biologic and geologic evolution of the deep Great Barrier Reef."

---

Citation and/or URL

 Webster, J., Davies, P., Beaman, R., Williams, S. & Byrne, M. 2007, Evolution of drowned shelf edge reefs in the GBR: implications for understanding abrupt climate change, coral reef response and modern deep water benthic habitats., CSIRO, Southern Surveyor voyage summary: SS072007, Hobart.

http://www.deepreef.org/images/stories/publications/reports/summarySS07-2007.pdf

Spatial Coverage

 Four sites in Central and Southern shelf edge

Temporal Coverage

 Once-off

Update Frequency

  Not applicable

Other Information

 None