The role of turbulent hydrodynamics and surface morphology on heat and mass transfer in corals.

ABSTRACT: Corals require efficient heat and mass transfer with the overlying water column to support key biological processes, such as nutrient uptake and mitigation of thermal stress. Transfer rates are primarily determined by flow conditions, coral morphology and the physics of the resulting fluid-structure interaction, yet the relationship among these parameters is poorly understood especially for wave-dominated coral habitats. To investigate the interactive effects of these factors on fluxes of heat and mass, we measure hydrodynamic characteristics in situ over three distinct surface morphologies of massive stony corals in a Panamanian reef. Additionally, we implement a numerical model of flow and thermal transport for both current and wave conditions past a natural coral surface, as well as pas

SUBMITTER: Stocking JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6303798 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature