Elevated contaminants
in the surrounding sediment suggest that resuspension is an
important transport medium for transferring heavy metals to corals,
with increased winds accompanied by higher coral variability at CH.
Coupled with wind-induced resuspension, changes in sea level can enhance
export and percolation of contaminants emanating fromthe landfill.
The interplay of natural processes with land-based human activities is
critical to evaluating the potential environmental impact of near shore
contamination. The temporal and spatial comparisons between the CH
and JSB coral records highlight the need to understand these combined
effects and their impacts on coral record interpretation and ultimately
coral health.