Abstract
The outer-shelf of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) can be broadly defined as the region of the continental shelf between the outer-most emergent reefs and the upper limit of the continental slope at ~200m depth. The outer-shelf is exposed to clear, oligotrophic water from the Coral Sea, and is subjected to prevailing wind and wave energy from the ocean - all factors that strongly influence the ecological communities that occur there. The combination of its offshore location and exposure to wind and swell make research on the outer-shelf logistically challenging; consequently, this region remains poorly known compared with the GBR lagoon and inner-shelf. However, the last decade has seen a rapid increase in research focused on both the geology and biology of the outer-shelf, particularly in depths >30m. This research has revealed a diverse range of physical habitats and ecological communities.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Great Barrier Reef |
Subtitle of host publication | Biology, Environment and Management |
Editors | Pat Hutchings, Michael Kingsford, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg |
Place of Publication | Clayton South Vic Australia |
Publisher | CSIRO Publishing |
Chapter | 7 |
Pages | 73-84 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Edition | 2nd |
ISBN (Print) | 9780367174286 |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Externally published | Yes |