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Spectral discrimination of coral mortality states following a severe bleaching event

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Peter Mumby

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Abstract

Although relatively easy to distinguish the spectra of bleached and living coral, once corals have died their skeletons remained bleached (white) for only a short period. Rapid colonisation by algae can give rise to pigmentation that may be similar to that of living coral. Thus, by the time remotely sensed imagery has been acquired, discrimination of live and dead corals is no longer facile. Field measurements of spectral reflectance of live and algal-colonised dead corals (arising from different mortality events) were made in French Polynesia. Derivative analysis revealed wavelengths and slope characteristics that could be used to discriminate between mortality states with an accuracy of ~85%. These results encourage application of hyperspectral remote sensing to quantitatively assess the extent of coral bleaching events.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Clark CD, Mumby PJ, Chisholm JRM, Jaubert J, Andrefouet S

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Remote Sensing

Year: 2000

Volume: 21

Issue: 11

Pages: 2321-2327

Print publication date: 01/01/2000

ISSN (print): 0143-1161

ISSN (electronic): 1366-5901

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01431160050029602

DOI: 10.1080/01431160050029602

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