Diurnal changes in oxygen content of the water over the coral reef platform at Heron I

Abstract

Heron I., in the Australian Great Barrier Reef, is a small sand cay situated near the western end of a reef 6.5 miles long. The area investigated was south-west of the cay and approximately level, with extensive areas of living coral in the seaward half. Larger algal species were common near the cay but were not in evidence in the areas of active coral growth.

Oxygen levels were determined without sampling using a membrane-enclosed polarographic probe. Results are presented as profiles across the platform and also as time sequences in the main draining channel. Some deep water results are included. Oxygen production and consumption were associated primarily with areas of rich coral growth and hence larger algae seemed unimportant in the overall oxygen exchange. Low tide oxygen levels in less than 1 ft of water ranged from 2.1 mg O₂/l for a spring tide after midnight to more than 10.8 mg O₂/l (the limit of the instrument) in the early afternoon. High tide levels in more than 6 ft of water ranged from 9.0 mg O₂/l in the early afternoon to 6.4 mg O₂/l 2hr after sunset. High tide readings were not taken late at night.

There is some evidence that water already reduced or enriched in oxygen content on the previous tide was returned in significant quantities to the reef platform.