Thin section of a black coral showing the annual banding patterns.

Figure 4. Thin section of a black coral showing the annual banding patterns. Each band can be analyzed for particular compounds that tell us different things about the environment at that time. Image courtesy of B. Williams, Ross et al, NOAA, HBOI.

Related Links

Life on the Edge 2005

Life on the Edge 2005 - Vaults of History

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery