Measurement of luminescence in coral skeletons

摘要: Luminescent lines in skeletons of the massive coral Porites record periods when seawater was significantly diluted by land runoff. Records developed from such would be useful a wide range areas, including climatology, oceanography, civil engineering, agriculture, water resources and reef management. To realise this enormous potential, we built an instrument for routine, reliable recovery luminescence information skeletons. Skeletal slices were laid on table that moved 0.25 mm steps. The skeleton illuminated with ultra-violet light (UV) at 390 nm luminescent emissions 490 recorded. Light then shone same 2 diameter point reflection standardised reflectivity point. Slices cut three corals grew inshore had many strong lines. Measurements these colonies nearly identical, both multiple tracks across one slice different corals. There clear link discharge nearby river. Slices two 56 km offshore occasional, weak also linked river discharge. Tracks similar but due to partially obscured associated annual density banding pattern characterises technique recovered excellent about skeletal luminescence. However, there is need gain better understanding between dilution develop procedures data processing before can used construct proxy environmental records.