The six Allen Coral Atlas Global Benthic Habitat Map classes described below were developed by Roelfsema et al 2013* with input from other coral reef benthic classifications.
The twelve Global Geomorphic Zones mapped by the Allen Coral Atlas are listed below, in logical order from external seaward-facing through to internal coral reef structural features. These zones are known to be fairly consistent across different biogeographic regions, and often associated with regionally distinct ecological assemblages of benthic animals and plants. Moreover, geomorphic classes like these have been shown to be reliable predictors of biological habitat richness and diversity.
Map of the Nauru island landcover, with country-level summary of the different classes.
Map of the Nauru Island landcover, with country-level summary of the different classes.
Nauru, in the central Pacific Ocean, is a raised atoll capping a volcanic seamount arising from an ocean floor depth of 4300m. The land area is 22km, and the island rises to 70m above sea level. Drilling has proved dolomitised limestone of upper Miocene or younger age to a depth of 55m below sea level. Gravity and magnetic surveys indicate that the limestone probably overlies volcanic bedrock at a depth of about 500m. Reverse-circulation drilling and geoelectrical probes indicate that there is a discontinuous freshwater layer averaging 5m thick beneath Nauru.
The problem of seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers and oceanic islands is not a new one and a great deal of research has been undertaken since the late 19th century. The first model was developed in 1888 and is known as the Ghyben-Herzberg. It is a simple model based on the hydrostatic balance between fresh and saline water. With the advent of large computing capacity over the past few decades, more sophisticated models have been developed for the simulation of seawater intrusion and upconing of saline water beneath a pumping well.
Sea level data by month and year 1993 to 2017
the procfish sample sites from SPC work
The findings of this BIORAP survey have identified or re-confirmed the critical importance of the biodiversity and ecosystems of Nauru's terrestrial and marine environments and the urgent need for follow-up activities to manage and mitigate threats for their conservation.
Ridge to Reef Data, Coconut Vegetation Class, Limited Metadata, Compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef Data, Bathymetry Class, Limited Metadata, Compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef Data, BIORAP Priority Areas, Limited Metadata, Compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef Data, BIORAP Survey Site_Buada, limited meta-data, compiled in 2018
Ridge to reef data on the BIORAP Survey Site_ijuw anabar. Limited Metadata, compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef data, BIORAP Survey Site_Meneng Coast, Limited Meta Data, Compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef Data, Buildings in Nauru, Limited Metadata, Compiled in 2018
Ridge to Reef Data, Coastline of Nauru, limited metadata, compiled in 2018