Holocene Reef Growth Fabrics and Rates in the Great Barrier Reef

A geological dataset from the Australian Ocean Data Network details growth fabrics and rates of Holocene reefs in the Great Barrier Reef. It is based on analysis of 61 drill holes into 24 reefs, providing nearly 250 radiocarbon dates. The data delineates five major biosedimentologic facies and quantifies their depositional rates.

Use Cases

• Modeling reef growth rates based on quantified facies deposition rates (1-18 m/1000 yr).
• Analyzing latitudinal patterns in reef framework and detrital facies across the Great Barrier Reef.
• Studying the relationship between sea-level rise and initial reef colonization lag times.
• Comparing growth rates between different reef types (patch reefs, fringing reefs, windward/leeward margins).

Strengths

• Based on a substantial field campaign involving 61 drill holes across 24 reefs.
• Includes nearly 250 radiocarbon dates, providing a chronological framework.
• Quantifies depositional rates for multiple facies and reef environments with specific ranges.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; last metadata update was 2026-06-27.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, likely from Bureau of Mineral Resources and James Cook University.

Collection Method

Analysis of drill-hole core samples from 61 holes across 24 reefs.

Time Range

Holocene, with reef initiation around 8-9000 years B.P.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-27 20:49:56.256562

Geography

Great Barrier Reef Province between 15°30'S and 25°50'S.