Rate of dissolution of carbonate sediments by microboring organisms, Davies Reef, Australia

Skeletal carbonate sediments on the lagoon floor of Davies Reef (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) are subject to intense attack by microboring organisms, principally algae. The rate at which this microboring process dissolves carbonate was measured experimentally. Fresh, unbored, molluscan sand samples placed in the shallow lagoon (5 m water depth) experienced a weight loss of about 0.9 g/30 g sample (or 3%) in one year due to dissolution of …