Deep Coral Carbonate Mound (Geoform Type)

Component: Geoform

Unique Identifier: 198

Geoform Origin	Biogenic
Geoform	Deep/Cold-Water Coral Reef
Geoform Type	Deep Coral Carbonate Mound

Description

Definition

Topographic seafloor structures that are the result of previous periods of coral growth, often with successive periods of reef development, sedimentation, and erosion. These are elevated structures, composed of coral fossils and accumulated interstitial sediments. This type includes structures variously referred to as carbonate knolls, coral banks, bio-buildups, and lithoherms. Coral carbonate mounds can take on various shapes and sizes, reaching tens of meters in height and tens of kilometers in size. They may or may not currently include biogenic reefs (Roberts et al. 2009).