Introduction to special issue: Environmental and climatic change records in coral reefs of the South China Sea during the Holocene

Focusing on the evolution of coral reefs in the South China Sea, this special issue is dedicated to enhancing our understanding of Holocene environmental and climate changes in the region and their driving mechanisms. It comprises twenty-four papers organised into seven themes: (1) Palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironment evolution recorded by coral reefs; (2) Palaeo-ENSO activity recorded by coral reefs; (3) Palaeo-storm activity recorded by coral reefs; (4) The formation and evolution of coral reefs; (5) Carbonate diagenesis in coral reefs; (6) The application of new geochemical record indicators to coral reefs; and (7) Lipid biomarker records in coral reefs. This special issue provides an improved understanding of Holocene paleoclimates and paleoenvironments within the South China Sea, and the development of its coral reefs. It is hoped that these findings will deepen our knowledge of the natural and anthropogenic processes that contribute to climate and environmental change in the region, and aid the long-term protection of coral reef systems.

Automated summary

This special issue focuses on the evolution of coral reefs in the South China Sea and aims to enhance our understanding of Holocene environmental and climate changes in the region and their driving mechanisms. It consists of twenty-four papers organized into seven themes, covering various aspects of coral reefs and their records. The findings of this special issue contribute to a better understanding of Holocene paleoclimates and paleoenvironments in the South China Sea, as well as the development and protection of coral reef systems.