Analysis on ecological characteristics of Mississippian coral reefs in Langping, Guangxi

Several Late Visean-Serpukhovian coral reefs were identified in Langping, Tianlin. They provided an opportunity to investigate paleo-environments suitable for the development of reef-building communities and the construction of coral reefs in Langping. In this paper, part of the reef-building environmental and the ecological characteristics of coral reefs then were elaborated by analyzing the development settings, palaeogeography, sedimentation of reefs, the response to hydrodynamic conditions of reef-building corals, effects of disturbance and non-reef-building organism on reef communities, and the influence of coral morphology on reef development. It is considered that the sedimentary environment of Langping in Late Visean-Serpukhovian is suitable for the development of benthic communities. The current appearance of reefs is determined by both coral populations ecological characteristics and reef-building environment.

Automated summary

This study explores the development environment and ecological characteristics of Late Visean-Serpukhovian coral reefs in Langping, Tianlin. The research suggests that the sedimentary environment in Langping during this time period was suitable for the development of benthic communities. The current appearance and form of the reefs are determined by a combination of coral population characteristics and the reef-building environment.