MEPS 239:301-310 (2002)  -  doi:10.3354/meps239301

ABSTRACT: Monthly δ¹⁸O records of 2 coral colonies (Porites cf. lutea and P. cf. nodifera) from different localities (Aqaba and Eilat) from the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, were calibrated with recorded sea surface temperatures (SST) between 1988 and 2000. The results show high correlation coefficients between SST and δ¹⁸O. Seasonal variations of coral δ¹⁸O in both locations could explain 91% of the recorded SST. Different δ¹⁸O/SST relations from both colonies and from the same colonies were obtained, indicating that δ¹⁸O from coral skeletons were subject to an extension rate effect. Significant δ¹⁸O depletions are associated with high extension rates and higher values with low extension rates. The relation between coral skeletal δ¹⁸O and extension rate is not linear and can be described by a simple exponential model. An inverse relationship extends over extension rates from 1 to 5 mm yr^-1, while for more rapidly growing corals and portions of colonies the relation is constant and the extension rate does not appear to have a significant effect. We recommend that δ¹⁸O values be obtained from fast-growing corals or from portions in which the isotopic disequilibrium is fairly constant (extension rate >5 mm yr^-1). The results show that interspecific differences in corals may produce a significant δ¹⁸O profile offset between 2 colonies that is independent of environmental and extension-rate effects. We conclude that the rate of skeletal extension and the species of coral involved have an important influence on coral δ¹⁸O and must be considered when using δ¹⁸O records for paleoclimatic reconstructions.

KEY WORDS: Stable oxygen isotopes · Coral extension rate · Coral calcification rate · Porites spp. · Gulf of Aqaba · Red Sea