One of the most serious consequences of global climate change for coral reefs is the increased frequency and severity of mass coral bleaching events and, since the first edition of this volume was published in 2009, there have been additional mass coral bleaching events. This book provides comprehensive information on the causes and consequences of coral bleaching for coral reef ecosystems, from the genes and microbes involved in the bleaching response, to individual coral colonies and whole reef systems. It presents detailed analyses of how coral bleaching can be detected and quantified and reviews future scenarios based on modeling efforts and the potential mechanisms of acclimatisation and adaptation. It also briefly discusses emerging research areas that focus on the development of innovative interventions aiming to increase coral climate resilience and restore reefs.

Introduction: Coral Bleaching - Patterns, Processes, Causes and Consequences

The Evolution of the Coral-Algal Symbiosis and Coral Bleaching in the Geologic Past
Coral Bleaching in Space and Time
Climate Variability and Change: Monitoring Data and Evidence for Increased Coral Bleaching Stress
Detecting and Monitoring Coral Bleaching Events
Bleaching Resistance and the Role of Algal Endosymbionts
How does the Coral Microbiome Cause, Respond to or Modulate the Bleaching Process?- Cell Biology of Coral Bleaching
Bleaching and Mortality Thresholds: How Much is too Much?- Consequences of Coral Bleaching for Sessile Reef Organisms
Effects of Coral Bleaching and Coral Loss on the Structure and Function of Reef Fish Assemblages
Ocean Acidification and Coral Bleaching
Future Scenarios: a Review of Modelling Efforts to Predict the Future of Coral Reefs in an Era of Climate Change
Synthesis: Coral Bleaching - Patterns, Processes, Causes and Consequences.