LTR - Physical Characteristics

<p>Reef morphological dimensions (physical characteristics) were measured for each of 192 reefs in 2003, 2004 (reefs marked be letters only in this year), 2007, and 2009, 2012 and 2014. Beginning in 2012, reefs 129-144 and the added reefs 193-198 were manipulated for a project studying the effects of vermetid removals; information pertaining to this manipulation can be found in the project “Spatial patterns of coral-vermetid interactions: short-term effects and long-term consequences.” All data collected on reefs 129-144 and 193-198 beginning in 2012 can also be found under that project. In 2003, percent cover of nearest neighbor reefs were also estimated. Physical characteristic surveys are meant to characterize the size dimensions of each reef. We ultimately hope to use these data to inform how reef size and shape influence benthic composition and <em><u>Thalassoma</u></em> populations.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Moorea, French Polynesia (17.48 degrees S, 149.82 degrees W)</p>