Source: NOAA Coral Reef Information System - Coral Glossary
Coral Reef Report Glossary
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acropora
a genus of hard (stony) corals that contain the elkhorn and staghorn corals
unicellular, multicellular, solitary, or colonial organisms that contain chlorophyll. They lack roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Algae are in the Kingdom Protista
anemone
a cnidarian of the class Anthozoa that possesses a flexible cylindrical body and a central mouth surrounded by tentacles
atoll
a horseshoe or circular array of reef islets, capping a coral reef system that encloses a lagoon, and perched around an oceanic volcanic seamount
CaCO3 (calcium carbonate)
a molecule consisting of calcium, carbon and oxygen secreted by corals to their skeleton. It is also secreted by mollusks to form their protective shells
the long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind, and all other aspects of the Earth's climate. It is also defined by the United Nations Convention on Climate Change as "change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods"
cnidaria
a multicellular animal phylum, with a tissue grade of construction, that contains the stony (hard) corals, anemones, sea fans, sea pens, hydroids, and jellyfish
coral
a general term used to describe a group of cnidarians; indicates the presence of skeletal material that is embedded in the living tissue or encloses the animal altogether
coral bleaching
the process in which a coral polyp, under environmental stress, expels its symbiotic zooxanthellae from its body. The affected coral colony appears whitened
coral reef
a wave-resistant structure resulting from cementation processes and the skeletal construction of hermatypic corals, calcareous algae, and other calcium carbonate-secreting organisms
ecosystem
an ecological community considered together with the non-living factors of its environment as a unit
mangrove
a general name for several species of halophyte belonging to different families of plants (including trees, shrubs, a palm tree and a ground fern) occurring in intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical sheltered coastlines and exceeding one half meter in height. The term is applied to both the individual and the ecosystem, the latter of which is termed mangal. Mangroves provide protected nursery areas for juvenile reef fishes, crustaceans, and mollusks. They also provide a feeding ground for a multitude of marine species. Many organisms find shelter either in the roots or branches of mangroves. Mangrove branches are nesting areas for several species of coastal birds. The root systems harbor organisms that trap and cycle nutrients, organic materials and other important chemicals. Mangroves also contribute to higher water quality by stabilizing bottom sediments, filtering water and protecting shorelines from erosion. They protect reefs from land runoff sedimentation. Conversely, coral reefs protect mangroves and seagrasses from erosion during heavy storms and strong wave action
monitoring
the systematic collection of data over time
nutrient
any substance assimilated by organisms that promotes growth. Marine scientists typically measure nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, and silicates as nutrients for plant growth
polyp
an individual of a solitary cnidarian or one member of a cnidarian colony
reef crest
the sharp break in slope at seaward margin or edge of reef flat
SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)
a diving mode independent of surface air supply in which the diver uses open circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus which supplies air or breathing gases at ambient pressure
tentacle
a finger-like evagination of the body wall. Tentacles surround the mouths of coral polyps, anemones and other invertebrates. They are used for capturing prey, defense, reproduction, gas exchange, and light absorption
tide
the periodic rising and falling of the water that results from the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun acting on the rotating earth
