Carbonate Budget Animation

One way to understand the state of a coral reef is by measuring its carbonate budget. This is the balance between two processes that control reef growth carbonate production. Or how much coral skeleton is produced and bio erosion. Or how much coral skeleton is eaten away by organisms living on the reef. When carbonate production is high, as it was in the 1970s, coral reefs grow towards sea level, providing more structure for habitat and coastal protection. 

When carbonate production is too low, as it is currently, bio erosion becomes dominant and the reef is eroded, decreasing the amount of habitat available. Declines in coral populations in recent decades have resulted in higher erosion rates along the Florida Keys Reef tract.