Wave Control on Reef Morphology and Coral Distribution: Molokai, Hawaii (original) (raw)

2002, Ocean Wave Measurement and Analysis (2001)

A multi-disciplinary project lead by the U.S. Geological Survey is currently studying the fringing reef off southern Molokai, Hawaii, in an effort to characterize the biological structure and geologic variability of coral reef systems. Wave modeling and field observations were utilized to help understand the physical controls on reef morphology and the distribution of coral species. The morphology of the reef crest, which extends roughly 50 km from east to west and up to 1500 m offshore, appears to be primarily controlled by the amount of wave energy impinging on the coastline.