Distribution and morphological features of the patch reefs at Xiaonanxun Reef, Zhenghe Atoll of the Nansha Islands, South China Sea

HUANG Yuanjing; HU Xindi; ZHANG Yongzhan

doi:10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2021082201

2022 Vol. 42, No. 3

Article Contents

Article navigation > Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology > 2022 > 42(3): 25-35

Next Article Previous Article

HUANG Yuanjing, HU Xindi, ZHANG Yongzhan. Distribution and morphological features of the patch reefs at Xiaonanxun Reef, Zhenghe Atoll of the Nansha Islands, South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2022, 42(3): 25-35. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2021082201

Citation:

HUANG Yuanjing, HU Xindi, ZHANG Yongzhan. Distribution and morphological features of the patch reefs at Xiaonanxun Reef, Zhenghe Atoll of the Nansha Islands, South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2022, 42(3): 25-35. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2021082201

Distribution and morphological features of the patch reefs at Xiaonanxun Reef, Zhenghe Atoll of the Nansha Islands, South China Sea

1.
School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
2.
The Key Laboratory of Coast & Island Development of Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210023, China
3.
The Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing 210023, China

More Information

Corresponding author: ZHANG Yongzhan, zhangyzh@nju.edu.cn

Received Date: 22 August 2021

Revised Date: 20 November 2021

Accepted Date: 20 November 2021

Publish Date: 28 June 2022

Abstract

Abstract

Coral reef is an efficient indicator for paleoenvironment reconstruction, as it may provide abundant information on paleoclimate changes, sea-level fluctuations and marine environmental variations. Patch reef is a kind of submerged reefs, widely distributed in isolation on reef flat in patch shape in the atolls of the northern Nansha Islands area of the South China Sea. However, the morphological features and formation mechanisms of these patch reefs remain unclear up to present. In this paper, Google Earth WorldView-2 images and multi-beam bathymetric data are processed and carefully studied for the Xiaonanxun Reef, which is located in the southwestern Zhenghe Atoll. Patch reefs are widely distributed there in secondary lagoons, tidal channels, lagoonal slopes and basin floors. Based on the data mentioned above, 123 patch reefs are recognized and measured. The maximum depth of the rim and the minimum depth of the top of the patch reefs are 35.05 m and 7.89 m, and the average height, bottom diameter and top diameter of the patch reefs are 2.62 m, 19.13 m and 8.49 m on average respectively. Most of the patch reefs is distributed in isolation in shapes of “pancake” and “knoll”, and only 3 groups are found combined as colony developed in the area in the water depth of 29 ~ 35 m. The patch reefs developed in the water depth less than 18 m are predominated by the “pancake” type, with the average height and the bottom and top diameters in 1.85 m, 21.98 m and 11.79 m, respectively. The shape index is rather small (less than 0.23), but the relational factor between top and bottom is rather large (87% between 0.30 and 0.75). Wave dynamics are believed the dominant factor to the morphological features. In contrast, “knoll” type of patch reefs is mainly developed in the area under water depth deeper than 25 m, and the average height and bottom and top diameters are 2.74 m, 17.44 m and 6.89 m respectively. The bottom diameter and height of patch reefs are positively correlated and the correlation coefficient R is up to 0.827, which indicates the biological processes of coral growth is the dominant factor to the morphological features. Furthermore, the long axis direction is mainly in NEE to N direction for 82% of the bottoms of the patch reefs, being consistent with the prevailing wind wave direction and perpendicular to the reef crest, which indicate the impacts of the wave dynamic processes as well.
- submerged reef /
- patch reef /
- morphological fatures /
- wave dynamics /
- Nansha

FullText(HTML)

References

[1]	Fairbridge R W. Recent and Pleistocene coral reefs of Australia [J]. The Journal of Geology, 1950, 58(4): 330-401. doi: 10.1086/625751 CrossRef Google Scholar
[2]	曾昭璇. 中国环礁的类型划分[J]. 海洋通报, 1982, 1(4):43-50 Google Scholar ZENG Zhaoxuan. Classfication of atolls in China [J]. Marine Science Bulletin, 1982, 1(4): 43-50. Google Scholar
[3]	海洋科技名词审定委员会. 海洋科技名词[M]. 2版. 北京: 科学出版社, 2007: 60 Google Scholar China National Marine Science and Technology Terminology Validation Committee. Chinese Terms in Marine Science and Technology[M]. 2nd ed. Beijing: Science Press, 2007: 60. Google Scholar
[4]	Beaman R J, Webster J M, Wust R A J. New evidence for drowned shelf edge reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia [J]. Marine Geology, 2008, 247(1-2): 17-34. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2007.08.001 CrossRef Google Scholar
[5]	Harris P T, Davies P J. Submerged reefs and terraces on the shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia [J]. Coral Reefs, 1989, 8(2): 87-98. doi: 10.1007/BF00301807 CrossRef Google Scholar
[6]	Abbey E, Webster J M, Beaman R J. Geomorphology of submerged reefs on the shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef: The influence of oscillating Pleistocene sea-levels [J]. Marine Geology, 2011, 288(1-4): 61-78. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2011.08.006 CrossRef Google Scholar
[7]	孙宗勋, 赵焕庭. 南沙群岛珊瑚礁动力地貌特征[J]. 热带海洋学报, 1996, 15(2):53-60 Google Scholar SUN Zongxun, ZHAO Huanting. Features of dynamic geomorphology of coral reefs in Nansha Islands [J]. Tropic Oceanology, 1996, 15(2): 53-60. Google Scholar
[8]	Brock J C, Palaseanu-Lovejoy M, Wright C W, et al. Patch-reef morphology as a proxy for Holocene sea-level variability, Northern Florida Keys, USA [J]. Coral Reefs, 2008, 27(3): 555-568. doi: 10.1007/s00338-008-0370-y CrossRef Google Scholar
[9]	Brown B E, Dunne R P. Environmental controls of patch-reef growth and development [J]. Marine Biology, 1980, 56(1): 85-96. doi: 10.1007/BF00390598 CrossRef Google Scholar
[10]	Peters M, Palandro D, Hallock P, et al. Assessing the distribution of patch reef morphologies in the Lower Florida Keys, USA, using IKONOS satellite imagery[C]//Proceedings of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium. Lauderdale, 2008: 678-682. Google Scholar
[11]	Jones J A. Morphology and development of southeastern Florida patch reefs[C]//Proceedings of the Third International Coral Reef Symposium, University of Miami. Miami, Florida, 1977: 232-235. Google Scholar
[12]	Chu S S, Hong L, Cheng L, et al. Weighted multiscale region-level sparse representation for classification of high-spatial resolution remote sensing images [J]. Journal of Applied Remote Sensing, 2018, 12(4): 045005. Google Scholar
[13]	Phinn S R, Hochberg E M, Roelfsema C M. Visible and infrared overview[M]//Goodman J A, Purkis S J, Phinn S R. Coral Reef Remote Sensing. Netherlands: Springer, 2013: 3-28. Google Scholar
[14]	王黎, 张永战. 九章环礁水下暗礁脊槽地貌分布与形态[J]. 第四纪研究, 2018, 38(2):485-495 doi: 10.11928/j.issn.1001-7410.2018.02.18 CrossRef Google Scholar WANG Li, ZHANG Yongzhan. Distribution and morphological characteristics of spur and groove on submerged reefs of Jiuzhang Atoll, South China Sea [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2018, 38(2): 485-495. doi: 10.11928/j.issn.1001-7410.2018.02.18 CrossRef Google Scholar
[15]	Wang G Z. Tectonic and monsoonal controls on coral atolls in the South China Sea[M]//Camoin G F, Davies P J. Reefs and Carbonate Platforms in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Blackwells: International Association of Sedimentologists, 1998, 25: 237-248. Google Scholar
[16]	王国忠. 全球海平面变化与中国珊瑚礁[J]. 古地理学报, 2005, 7(4):483-492 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-1505.2005.04.006 CrossRef Google Scholar WANG Guozhong. Global sea-level change and coral reefs of China [J]. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2005, 7(4): 483-492. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-1505.2005.04.006 CrossRef Google Scholar
[17]	左秀玲, 苏奋振, 赵焕庭, 等. 南海珊瑚礁高分辨率遥感地貌分类体系研究[J]. 地理科学进展, 2018, 37(11):1463-1472 doi: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2018.11.003 CrossRef Google Scholar ZUO Xiuling, SU Fenzhen, ZHAO Huanting, et al. Development of a geomorphic classification scheme for coral reefs in the South China Sea based on high-resolution satellite images [J]. Progress in Geography, 2018, 37(11): 1463-1472. doi: 10.18306/dlkxjz.2018.11.003 CrossRef Google Scholar
[18]	赵焕庭. 中国现代珊瑚礁研究[J]. 世界科技研究与发展, 1998, 20(4):98-105 Google Scholar ZHAO Huanting. Researches of coral reef in modern China [J]. World SCI-TECH R& D, 1998, 20(4): 98-105. Google Scholar
[19]	Chang J H, Hsu H H, Liu C S, et al. Seismic sequence stratigraphic analysis of the carbonate platform, north offshore Taiping Island, Dangerous Grounds, South China Sea [J]. Tectonophysics, 2017, 702: 70-81. doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2015.12.010 CrossRef Google Scholar
[20]	中国科学院南沙综合科学考察队. 南沙群岛自然地理[M]. 北京: 科学出版社, 1996: 46-48. Google Scholar Nansha Comprehensive Scientific Investigation Team, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Physical Geography of Nansha Islands[M]. Beijing, China: Science Press, 1996: 46-48. Google Scholar
[21]	胡心迪. 郑和环礁珊瑚礁地貌及其对海平面变化的响应[D]. 南京大学硕士学位论文, 2020: 19-26 Google Scholar HU Xindi. The geomorphology of Zhenghe Atoll and its response to sea level change[D]. Master Dissertation of Nanjing University, 2020: 19-26. Google Scholar
[22]	Dong Y Z, Liu Y X, Hu C M, et al. Coral reef geomorphology of the Spratly Islands: A simple method based on time-series of Landsat-8 multi-band inundation maps [J]. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 2019, 157: 137-154. doi: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2019.09.011 CrossRef Google Scholar
[23]	赵焕庭, 宋朝景, 孙宗勋, 等. 南海诸岛全新世珊瑚礁演化的特征[J]. 第四纪研究, 1997(4):301-309 doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1997.04.003 CrossRef Google Scholar ZHAO Huanting, SONG Zhaojing, SUN Zongxun, et al. The evolutionary characteristics of the Holocene coral reefs of the South China Sea Islands [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 1997(4): 301-309. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1997.04.003 CrossRef Google Scholar
[24]	李文波, 赵军. 南沙海区波浪的季节变化特征[J]. 广东气象, 2010, 32(2):24-26 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-6190.2010.02.009 CrossRef Google Scholar LI Wenbo, ZHAO Jun. Seasonal variations of wave in Nansha [J]. Guangdong Meteorology, 2010, 32(2): 24-26. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-6190.2010.02.009 CrossRef Google Scholar
[25]	王婷婷, 梁广建, 周兆黎, 等. 永暑海区波浪要素变化特征分析[J]. 海洋通报, 2012, 31(3):278-282 doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-6392.2012.03.006 CrossRef Google Scholar WANG Tingting, LIANG Guangjian, ZHOU Zhaoli, et al. Analysis of the wave characteristics at Yongshu Reef [J]. Marine Science Bulletin, 2012, 31(3): 278-282. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-6392.2012.03.006 CrossRef Google Scholar
[26]	余克服. 珊瑚记录之近50年南沙群岛高分辨率气候变化[D]. 中国科学院广州地球化学研究所博士学位论文, 2000: 9-16. Google Scholar YU Kefu. The recent fifty years high-resolution climate of Nansha Islands recorded in reef coral[D]. Doctor Dissertation of Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Science, 2000: 9-16. Google Scholar
[27]	李维锋, 梁广健, 徐刚. 南沙永暑海区潮汐特征分析[J]. 海洋技术学报, 2014, 33(5):71-77 Google Scholar LI Weifeng, LIANG Guangjian, XU Gang. Analysis on the tide characteristics at the Yongshu Reef of the Nansha Islands [J]. Journal of Ocean Technology, 2014, 33(5): 71-77. Google Scholar
[28]	曾昭璇. 中国珊瑚礁地貌研究[M]. 广东: 广东人民出版社, 1997: 142-370. Google Scholar ZENG Zhaoxuan. Coral Reefs Geomorphic Research in China[M]. Guangzhou: Guangdong People’s Publishing House, 1997: 142-370. Google Scholar
[29]	Kinzie I, Robert A. The zonation of West Indian gorgonians [J]. Bulletin of Marine Science, 1973, 23(1): 93-155. Google Scholar
[30]	Xu J P, Li F, Zhao J H, et al. Geomorphic zones mapping and development status monitoring of coral reefs in Xisha, China[C]//2016 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS). Beijing: IEEE, 2016: 4588-4591. Google Scholar
[31]	Mumby P J, Harborne A R. Development of a systematic classification scheme of marine habitats to facilitate regional management and mapping of Caribbean coral reefs [J]. Biological Conservation, 1999, 88(2): 155-163. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3207(98)00108-6 CrossRef Google Scholar
[32]	赵焕庭, 宋朝景, 朱袁智. 南沙群岛“危险地带”腹地珊瑚礁的地貌与现代沉积特征[J]. 第四纪研究, 1992(4):368-377 doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1992.04.009 CrossRef Google Scholar ZHAO Huanting, SONG Zhaojing, ZHU Yuanzhi. Geomorphic and modern sedimentary features of coral reefs in the hinterland of "Dangerous Ground", Nansha Islands [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 1992(4): 368-377. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1992.04.009 CrossRef Google Scholar
[33]	Heap A, Harris P T. Geomorphology of the Australian margin and adjacent seafloor [J]. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2008, 55(4): 555-585. doi: 10.1080/08120090801888669 CrossRef Google Scholar
[34]	赵焕庭, 孙宗勋, 宋朝景, 等. 南沙群岛永暑礁90多万年以来的海平面变化[J]. 海洋与湖沼, 1996, 27(3): 264-270 doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0029-814X.1996.03.006 CrossRef Google Scholar ZHAO Huanting, SONG Zhaojing, SUN Zongxun, et al. The change of sea-level of Yongshu Reef in Nansha Islands since 900000 years B. P. [J]. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 1996, 27(3): 264-270. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0029-814X.1996.03.006 CrossRef Google Scholar
[35]	聂宝符. 五千年来南海海平面变化的研究[J]. 第四纪研究, 1996(1):80-87 doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1996.01.009 CrossRef Google Scholar NIE Baofu. Sea-level changes of the South China Sea in the past 5000 years [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 1996(1): 80-87. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1996.01.009 CrossRef Google Scholar
[36]	时小军, 余克服, 陈特固, 等. 中—晚全新世高海平面的琼海珊瑚礁记录[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 2008, 28(5):1-9 Google Scholar SHI Xiaojun, YU Kefu, CHEN Tegu, et al. Mid-to Late-Holocene sea level highstands: Evidence from fringing coral reefs at Qionghai, Hainan Island [J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2008, 28(5): 1-9. Google Scholar
[37]	许淑梅, 吴鹏, 张威, 等. 南海关键地质历史时期的古海岸线变化[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 2013, 33(1):1-10 Google Scholar XU Shumei, WU Peng, ZHANG Wei, et al. Paleo-coastline changes in South China Sea in some critical times [J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2013, 33(1): 1-10. Google Scholar
[38]	曾昭璇. 南海环礁的若干地貌特征[J]. 海洋通报, 1984, 3(3):40-45 Google Scholar ZENG Zhaoxuan. Geomorphological features of atolls in the South China Sea [J]. Marine Science Bulletin, 1984, 3(3): 40-45. Google Scholar
[39]	Marszalek D S, Babashoff G, Noel M R, et al. Reef distribution in south Florida[C]//Proceedings of the 3rd International Coral Reef Symposium. Miami, 1977: 223-229. Google Scholar
[40]	黄远静. 南沙郑和和道明环礁点礁地貌特征及其成因[D]. 南京大学硕士学位论文, 2021: 26-39. Google Scholar HUANG Yuanjing. Distribution and morphological characteristics of patch reefs at Xiaonanxun Reef, Zhenghe Atoll and Kuigui Sandbank, Daoming Atoll, South China Sea[D]. Master Dissertation of Nanjing University, 2021: 26-39. Google Scholar