Feedbacks between hydrodynamics and cold-water coral mound development

Cold-water corals rely on currents to transport food towards them and when external conditions are favourable, they can form coral mounds. These structures, which be over 300 m high, influence the hydrodynamics around reefs that grow mounds, feeds back affect coral- therefore mound-growth. We investigated these feedbacks at Logachev mound province, by running simulations with a 3D hydrodynamic model (Roms-Agrif), using different seafloor bathymetries represent consecutive stages of development. Simulations ranged from fully smoothened bathymetry without (Haas mound) 1.5 times its current size. The effect height growth was looking baroclinic (internal) tide, turbulent energy dissipation, vertical velocities, horizontal bottom currents. suggest increasing velocities increase, while dissipation foot decrease. This supposedly limits hence lateral extension in later An increase top upper flanks, indicates all subsequent stages. Our findings continued provide an explanation for recently published data benthic cover transect Haas mound, show dominance live top. find areas increased conversion rates barotropic (surface) tide where we artificially eliminated mounds (i.e. bathymetry). Interestingly, overlap region located present. So, is likely important mechanism process establishment. Given relative ease rate deduced simulations, our results opportunities investigate may initiated worldwide.