Classification of coral reef types in Torres Strait (GIS files in zip-archive 319 kB)

Coral reefs represent major accumulations of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The particularly labyrinthine network of reefs in Torres Strait, north of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), has been examined in order to estimate their gross CaCO3 productivity. The approach involved a two-step procedure, first characterising and classifying the morphology of reefs based on a classification scheme widely employed on the GBR and then estimating gross CaCO3 productivity rates across the region using a regional census-based approach. This was undertaken by independently verifying published rates of coral reef community gross production for use in Torres Strait, based on site-specific ecological and morphological data. A total of 606 reef platforms were mapped and classified using classification trees. Despite the complexity of the maze of reefs in Torres Strait, there are broad morphological similarities with reefs in the GBR. The spatial distribution and dimensions of reef types across both regions are underpinned by similar geological processes, sea-level history in the Holocene and exposure to the same wind/wave energetic regime, resulting in comparable geomorphic zonation. However, the presence of strong tidal currents flowing through Torres Strait and the relatively shallow and narrow dimensions of the shelf exert a control on local morphology and spatial distribution of the reef platforms. A total amount of 8.7 million tonnes of CaCO3 per year, at an average rate of 3.7 kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1 (G), were estimated for the studied area. Extrapolated production rates based on detailed and regional census-based approaches for geomorphic zones across Torres Strait were comparable to those reported elsewhere, particularly values for the GBR based on alkalinity-reduction methods. However, differences in mapping methodologies and the impact of reduced calcification due to global trends in coral reef ecological decline and changing oceanic physical conditions warrant further research. The novel method proposed in this study to characterise the geomorphology of reef types based on classification trees provides an objective and repeatable data-driven approach that combined with regional census-based approaches has the potential to be adapted and transferred to different coral reef regions, depicting a more accurate picture of interactions between reef ecology and geomorphology.

La maleta de los nervios, de Antonio Álamo : Exploración de la teatralidad en una comedia coral

La maleta de los nervios, de Antonio Álamo, pone en escena algunos elementos del carnaval -las chirigotas gaditanas, de desenfadado humor popular-, sacadas de su contexto original. El autor realizó un taller de dramaturgia con las integrantes de la agrupación 'La Chirigota de Las Niñas', y creó una 'partitura escénica' en la que incorporó personajes y acción dramática a la estructura de improvisación original. Incluyó también algunas coplas de una de las actrices convocadas, en cuya 'altísima calidad autoral' 'según Álamo', se trasluce la mejor poesía satírica tradicional, desde el Arcipreste a Quevedo. Surgió así una pieza en la que tres amas de casa muestran en escena su equipaje vital, saturado de ansiedades e insatisfacción. Emplean para ello un lenguaje que no rehúye lo obsceno, lo escatológico o lo irreverente, y tratan temas de la calle y de todos los días: la ausencia de proyectos vitales, el consumo de drogas como refugio, las pequeñas mezquindades en las relaciones personales, la falta de criterios firmes en la educación de los hijos, la pobreza, el desempleo, la reacción ante la inmigración. En nuestro trabajo, a partir del texto proporcionado por el autor, ahondaremos en el análisis de la pluralidad de elementos puestos en juego en la creación dramática