Researchers
Students
Alumni
ManagementJim Falter
Senior Research Fellow
University of Western Australia
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
Senior Research Fellow
University of Western Australia
Research Interests
My present research is focused on understanding how climate forcing affects the growth and productivity of coral reef communities through changing ocean physics and chemistry; particularly within the context of increased ocean warming and acidification. I conduct most of my research through a combination of field studies, numerical modelling, and flume/mesocosm experiments.
Select Publications
Cuttler M, Lowe R, Falter J, Buscombe D (2016) Estimating the Settling Velocity of Bioclastic Sediments Using Common Grain‐Size Analysis Techniques. Sedimentology, DOI: 10.1111/sed.12338.
Falter J, Lowe R, Zhang Z (2016) Toward a Universal Mass‐Momentum Transfer Relationship for Predicting Nutrient Uptake and Metabolite Exchange in Benthic Reef Communities. Geophysical Research Letters 43(18): 9764-9772.
Lowe R, Pivan X, Falter J, Symonds G, Gruber R (2016) Rising Sea Levels Will Reduce Extreme Temperature Variations in Tide-Dominated Reef Habitats. Science Advances 2 (8), e1600825.
Zhang Z, Lowe R, Xu J, Falter J, Ivey G (2016). The Combined Effect of Transient Wind-Driven Upwelling and Eddies On Vertical Nutrient Fluxes and Phytoplankton Dynamics Along Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, DOI: 10.1002/2016JC011791.
Foster T, Falter JL, Clode PL, McCulloch MM (2016). Ocean Acidification Causes Structural Deformities in Juvenile Coral Skeletons. Science Advances, 2(2): e1501130, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501130.
Schoepf V, Stat M, Falter JL, McCulloch MT (2015). Limits to the Thermal Tolerance of Corals Adapted to a Highly Fluctuating, Naturally Extreme Temperature Environment. Scientific Reports, 5, 17639, DOI: 10.1038/srep17639.
Georgiou LK, Falter JL, Trotter J, Kline DI, Holcomb M, Dove SG, Hoegh-Guldberg O, and McCulloch MT (2015). pH Homeostasis During Coral Calcification in a Free Ocean Co2 Enrichment (Foce) Experiment, Heron Island Lagoon, Great Barrier Reef, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(43): 13219-13224, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1505586112.
Dandan S, Falter JL, McCulloch MM, and Lowe RJ (2015). The Resilience of Coral Growth to Extreme Temperature Variations Within the Macro-Intertidal Zone of the Kimberley, Western Australia. Coral Reefs, 34(4): 1151-1163, DOI: 10.1007/s00338-015-1335-6.
Long MH, Berg P, and Falter JL (2015). Seagrass Metabolism across a Productivity Gradient Using the Eddy Covariance, Eulerian Control Volume, and Biomass Addition Techniques. Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 120(5): 3624-3639, DOI: 10.1002/2014JC010352.
Ross C, Falter JL, Schoepf V, and McCulloch MT (2015) Robust Perennial Growth of Hermatypic Coral at Rottnest Island, Western Australia (32°S). PeerJ 3: e781
Lowe RJ and Falter JL (2015) Oceanic Forcing of Coral Reefs. Ann. Rev. Mar. Sci. 7:43-66.
Falter JL, Z Zhang, RJ Lowe, F McGregor, J Keesing, and MT McCulloch (2014) Assessing the Drivers of Spatial Variation in Thermal Forcing Across a Nearshore Reef System and Implications for Coral Bleaching. Limnology and Oceanography, 59: 1241–1255.
Zhang Z, Falter JL, Lowe RJ, Ivey G, and McCulloch (2013) Atmospheric Forcing Intensifies the Effects of Regional Ocean Warming on Reef-Scale Temperature Anomalies During a Bleaching Event. Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 118: 1-17 doi: 10.1002/jgrc.20338.
Falter JL, Lowe RJ, Zhang Z, and McCulloch M (2013) Physical and Biological Controls on the Carbonate Chemistry of Coral Reef Waters: Effects of Metabolism, Wave Forcing, Sea Level, and Geomorphology. PLoS ONE, 8(1): e53303, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053303.
McCulloch M, Falter JL, Trotter J, Montagna P (2012) Coral Resilience to Ocean Acidification and Global Warming Through pH Up-Regulation. Nature Climate Change, doi: 10.1038/NCLIMATE1473.
Falter JL, Lowe RJ, Atkinson M, Cuet P (2012) Seasonal Coupling and De-coupling of Calcification Rates From Coral Reef Metabolism and Carbonate Chemistry at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 117, C05003, doi:10.1029/2011JC007268.
Zhang Z, Falter JL, Lowe RJ, and Ivey G (2012) the Combined Influence of Hydrodynamic Forcing and Calcification on the Spatial Distribution of Alkalinity in a Coral Reef System. Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 117, C04034, doi:10.1029/2011JC007603.
Wyatt ASJ, Falter JL, Lowe RJ, Humphries S, and Waite AM (2012) Oceanographic Forcing of Nutrient Uptake and Release Over a Fringing Coral Reef. Limnology and Oceanography, 57(2): 401-419.
McCulloch M, Trotter J, Montagna P, Falter J, Dunbar R, Freiwald A, Forsterra G, Lopez-Correa M, Maier C, Ruggeberg A, Taviani M (2012) Resilience of Cold-Water Scleractinian Corals to Ocean Acidification: Boron Isotopic Systematics of pH and Saturation State Up-Regulation. Geochimica et Cosmochim Acta, 87: 21-34.
Falter JL, Atkinson MJ, Lowe RJ, Monismith SG, and Schar DW (2011) Short-Term Coherency Between Gross Primary Production and Community Respiration in an Algal-Dominated Reef Flat, Coral Reefs, doi: 10.1007/s00338-010-0671-9.
Lowe RJ, Falter JL, Atkinson MJ, and Monismith SG (2009) a Numerical Study of Circulation in a Coastal Reef-Lagoon System, Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 114, C06022, doi: 10.1029/2007JC004663.
Falter JL, Lowe RJ, Atkinson MJ, Monismith SG, and Schar DW (2008) Continuous Measurements of Net Production over a Shallow Reef Community using a Modified Eulerian Approach, Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 113, C07035, doi: 10.1029/2007JC004663.
Lowe RJ, Falter JL, Koseff JR, Monismith SG & Atkinson MJ (2007) Spectral Wave Flow Attenuation within Submerged Canopies: Implications for Wave Energy Dissipation, Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 112, C05018, doi: 10.1029/2006JC003605.
Falter JL, Atkinson MJ, and Coimbra CF-M (2005) Effects of Surface Roughness and Oscillatory Flow on Dissolution of Plaster Forms: Evidence for Nutrient Mass Transfer to Coral Reef Communities, Limnology and Oceanography, 50: 246-254.
Lowe RJ, Falter JL, Bandet MD, Pawlak G, Atkinson MJ, Monismith SG, and Koseff JR (2005) Spectral Wave Dissipation over a Barrier Reef, Journal of Geophysical Research – Oceans, 100: C04001.
Falter JL, Atkinson MJ, and Merrifield Ma (2004) Mass Transfer Limitation of Nutrient Uptake by a Wave-Dominated Reef Flat Community, Limnology and Oceanography, 49: 1820-1831.
Atkinson MJ, Falter JL (2003) Biogeochemistry of Coral Reefs. In: Biogeochemistry of Marine Systems. Black KP, Shimmield GB [eds], CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, p 40-64.
Falter JL, Atkinson MJ, Langdon C (2001) Production-Respiration Relationships at Different Time-Scales Within the Biosphere 2 Coral Reef Biome, Limnology and Oceanography, 46: 1653-1660.
Falter JL, Sansone FJ (2000) Hydraulic Control of Pore Water Geochemistry Within the Oxic-Suboxic Zone of a Permeable Sediment, Limnology and Oceanography, 45:550-557.
New research reveals marine heatwaves are a much bigger threat to coral reefs than previously thought, with effects that go beyond coral bleaching. In the study, scientists show for the first time th
The world’s largest coordinated study of coral reefs identifies just where and how to save coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific.More than 80 scientists, including an Australian team from the ARC
A group of Australian scientists has created the world’s first computer model that can accurately predict the movements of baby coral trout across the Great Barrier Reef.The study confirms the i
Being a fussy eater is a problem for reef fish who seek refuge from climate change on deeper reefs. But, scientists discovered, the coral that these fussy fish eat can support them.The study was l
Abstract: Coral reef restoration is gaining momentum globally in response to the threat of climate change and associated coral bleaching. In Australia, as part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptatio
Abstract:Developing global environmental policies, and implementing these at a local level has proven extremely challenging. I will present research using ethnographic techniques and multi-level
Abstract: Recurrent bleaching events since the early 1980’s have led to enduring ecosystems changes throughout the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea and the increasing frequency and intensity of
Abstract: Conservation relies largely on the ability to influence behaviours and ensure rule adherence. Yet, noncompliance in conservation contexts is common. For instance, poaching regularly neg
AbstractProjected near-future ocean CO2 levels alter behaviours that affect survival, such as predator escape and foraging, in marine invertebrates. However, the mechanisms responsible for these e
Abstract:The long-standing paradigm that ecology and evolution play out on different timescales is increasingly challenged by recent studies that show real-time interaction of the two. Similarly t
Abstract: The declining condition of many habitats in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area means marine park managers have to take a different approach to management. Managers can no longer rely
Abstract: Photosymbiosis is the main driver of reef development because it enhances calcification rates, thereby allowing corals to grow in oligotrophic environments. The reefal systems of the Palae
Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au