Cold Water Corals Book

Cold-water Corals

The Biology and Geology of Deep-Sea Coral Habitats

Cold Water Corals Book CoverThere 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.

Reviews

‘This volume represents a major benchmark in our understanding of deep-water coral habitats
and provides a springboard for the continuing studies of these dynamic and biodiverse
environments in the deep sea.’
Professor Paul Tyler, National Oceanography Centre
University of Southampton, UK

‘A must for anyone interested in this fascinating but still poorly known deep-sea fauna.’
Dr Tony Koslow, Director, California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations
(CalCOFI) Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA

‘Roberts, Wheeler, Freiwald and Cairns have produced a remarkable text that will set the
standard for many years to come.’
Professor Imants G. Priede, Director, Oceanlab
University of Aberdeen, UK

'The major merit of this book is both to demonstrate the richness of cold water coral ecosystems and their ecological complexity but also their vulnerability, the gaps in our knowledge and the need to protect them rapidly, especially those found within the High Seas outside of any current jurisdiction.'
Professor Denis Allemand, Scientific Director Centre Scientifique de Monaco

For more reviews click here

Published by Cambridge University Press

Also available from Amazon.com and other retailers