230Th Ages for 104 Dead Coral Samples from the Mackay Region, 2006

In 2006, 104 individual dead coral samples were collected from four islands in the Mackay region of the Great Barrier Reef. The dataset contains raw data used to calculate 230Th ages for these samples, measured using thermal ionisation and multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at The University of Queensland. The study aimed to reconstruct historical coral community dynamics to understand the decline of Acropora corals.

Use Cases

• Reconstructing historical coral community dynamics based on dated death assemblages.
• Analyzing the timing of Acropora coral decline based on high-precision U-Th age data.
• Comparing dating results from TIMS and MC ICPMS methods mentioned in the description.
• Establishing detrital correction isochrons based on replicate samples from 15 colonies.

Strengths

• 104 individual dead coral samples provide a substantial dataset for analysis.
• Samples were measured using two high-precision mass spectrometry methods (TIMS and MC ICPMS).
• Replicate samples from 15 colonies were taken for quality control and detrital correction.

Limitations

• The dataset is currently under embargo, restricting immediate access.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Radiogenic Isotope Facility, The University of Queensland.

Collection Method

Dead coral rubble collected via SCUBA from 1-5 m depth, processed with bleach, and dated using U-Th methods.

Time Range

Samples collected in March 2006. Sample preparation and dating occurred from before 2009 onwards.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-13 20:16:12.021389; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Keswick, Round Top, Scawfell, and Derwent Island in the Mackay region, Great Barrier Reef (20°34'S, 149°08'E).