Publications by authors named "Jodie A Schlaefer"

Sediments are found on all coral reefs around the globe. However, the amount of sediment in different reservoirs, and the rates at which sediments move between reservoirs, can shape the biological functioning of coral reefs. Unfortunately, relatively few studies have examined reef sediment dynamics, and associated bio-physical drivers, simultaneously over matching spatial and temporal scales.

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Article Synopsis
  • Sediments are common on coral reefs, but previous studies often overlooked hydrodynamic influences and focused on isolated aspects.
  • The research quantified sediment dynamics, measuring suspended sediments, sediment deposition, and the effects of water movement and marine life across different depths.
  • Significant findings included currents transporting 12.6 tons of sediment over the study area in just six days, with 5.2% potentially deposited, and a clear differentiation in sediment behavior between the dynamic shallow reef flat and the stagnant reef slope.
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Cyanobacterial mats are increasingly recognised as a symptom of coral reef change. However, the spatial distribution of cyanobacterial mats during coral bleaching has received limited attention. We explored cyanobacterial mat distribution during a bleaching event at Lizard Island and considered hydrodynamics as a potential modifier.

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There is a rich literature on coral reef sediments. However, this knowledge is spread among research fields, and the extent to which major sediment reservoirs and reservoir connecting processes have been quantified is unclear. We examined the literature to quantify where and how sediments have been measured on coral reefs and, thereby, identified critical knowledge gaps.

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Cubozoan jellyfish are classified as plankton despite the strong swimming and orientation abilities of cubomedusae. How these capabilities could affect cubozoan population structures is poorly understood. Medusae of the cubozoan Copula sivickisi can uniquely attach to surfaces with the sticky pads on their bells.

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