The effect of solitons on coral growth

Non-linear internal waves (NLIW or solitons) are a well-known feature of the Andaman Sea, where their solitary nature was also first established. Recent studies show important physico-chemical changes in the swash zone of solitons affecting shallow water coral communities. But the soliton-derived biological changes are difficult to separate from monsoon and other environmental drivers. Here we combine short- and long-term growth experiments, X-radiograph and fluorescence banding analyses of coral skeletons, and environmental data to disentangle the relative effects of solitons and monsoon on the carbonate balance of Porites lutea dominating coral framework development in the Andaman Sea. Our findings show significant soliton-related seasonal and interannual depressions in coral growth, but also acclimation and/or adaptation in soliton-exposed colonies. Because solitons are common in many semi-enclosed macrotidal tropical seas, our results may be applicable to many other coral reef areas.