This intensive field course aims to provide students with advanced understanding of modern and fossil carbonate environments, and the role of biological processes in reef building and erosion. It complements EMSC6023 Marine Biogeochemistry and is for students seeking a profession in the marine science, environmental science or geochemistry. Several days will be spent at a coral reef location investigating a modern reefal setting, fossil reef depositional environments and relevant biological processes. Activities will include both advanced lectures and field surveys.

This course has a limited enrolment and permission is required to enrol in this course. Please register interest by emailing the course convener or student.admin.rses@anu.edu.au (it is advisable to to this before the end of semester 1).

NOTE: Graduate students will attend joint classes with undergraduates, but will be assessed under a different scheme, which will require a greater level of conceptual understanding.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Identify, understand and map different environments and bio-zones on a carbonate reef platform.
2. Apply field techniques used to characterize and assess carbonate reef ecosystems.
3. Produce detailed maps of the reef flat.
4. Critique the history of deposition of carbonate reef platforms over Holocene time.
5. Gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to measure carbonate chemistry in the field.
6. Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of a spectrum of coral reef biological processes.
7. Appraise and contrast the major issues facing the future of carbonate reef ecosystems and the strategies that may be used to address these threats.