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THE SCIENCE OF ECOSYSTEMS ON THE GARDEN ISLAND OF KAUAI |
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MAINPAGE |
OF KAUAI |
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The organic reefs of the Hawaiian Islands, the most extensive of the United States, are some of the most interesting in the world. One significant aspect of Kauai’s prominent fringing reefs is that they are composed mainly of a stony, coralline algae. Coral actually makes up a distant second in terms of the bulk volume and structural framework of the reef. Following an overview lecture on Hawaii's reefs we visit several of the well-known fringing reefs along the northeastern and northern portion of Kauai, including Kapaa, Aliomanu and Pilaa Reefs. Activities involve wading, and snorkeling, along with reef monitoring. Lesson plan exercises include learning how to; 1) identify the extensive coralline algae and corals of a typical Hawaiian reef, 2) systematically measure and record, using a grid system, the distribution of faunal and floral elements that comprise the reef structure, and 3) begin to evaluate the vitality of a coral/algal reef. |
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GEOLOGY |
BIOGEOGRAPHY |
BEACHES |
REEFS |
SEA LEVEL |