Impact of Holocene relative sea-level changes on patch reef-island development in the Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

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Conflicts of Interest

Identified Weaknesses

Rating Explanation

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Paper Summary

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Indonesian Reefs Keep Up With Rising Seas (But Slow Down When They Stop)

This study used core samples from two reef islands in Indonesia to show how they grew over the past 7200 years. Reef growth kept pace with rapid sea level rise early on, but then slowed dramatically during a period of stable or falling sea levels. The reefs continued to grow, adjusting to changing conditions by shifting from vertical growth to horizontal expansion.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified.

Identified Weaknesses

Limited number of core samples

While 16 cores were taken, more cores would improve the understanding of the variation of accretion and other measured metrics within the reefs. For example, cores taken further away from the island and on the leeward slope, can provide more insights into the development of the reef flat and slope.

Use of mollusk shells instead of in-situ corals for 14C dating

While the mollusk shells are suitable for 14C dating, using in-situ corals would provide more precise dates for coral growth and reduce the possibility of allochthonous material.

Visual Facies Classification

The use of visual facies classification in reef cores can be subject to observer bias and could not accurately characterize the core material, compared to more precise methods.

Rating Explanation

Strong methodology with core sampling, radiometric dating, and facies analysis to create a detailed timeline. Addresses a relevant question about reef resilience in a critical biodiversity hotspot. The study acknowledges some limitations like the use of mollusk shell instead of in-situ corals and further research needed with more cores from this region.

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