Morphodynamic Controls for Growth and Evolution of a Rubble Coral Island

Rubble islands are dynamic sedimentary features present on reef platforms that evolve under a variety of morphodynamic processes and controlling mechanisms. They provide valuable inhabitable land for small island nations, critical habitat numerous species, threatened by climate change. Aiming to investigate the mechanisms dictating evolution One Tree Island (OTI), rubble in Southern Great Barrier Reef, we combined different remotely-sensed data across varying timescales with wave extracted from satellite altimetry cyclone activity. Our findings show (1) OTI had expanded 7% between 1978 2019, (2) significant gross planform decadal adjustments were governed amount, intensity, proximity, relative position cyclones as well El Niño Oscillation (ENSO) phases, (3) growth involve spits delivering redistributing through alongshore sediment transport overtopping. Frequent short-term monitoring further research coupling variations factors driving change (i.e., availability, reef-wave interactions, extreme events) needed shed light future trajectory other scenario.