Natural Systems | Human Scale Coral Reef The system that we identify as the coral reef is composed of colonies of polyps that secrete calcium carbonate to form hard exoskeletons. On top of the polyps live symbiotic algae that provide an additional food source through photosynthesis. The coral reef is an ecological system since it is formed under certain environmental conditions - in shallow, clean tropical waters and mediates the coastal environment by preventing wave erosion. This system of diverse components is spread over different zones to form a whole surface. Rock Formations in a Cave Within a cave, dripwater deposits limestone on the ceilings, forming stalactites. The dripwater can then fall onto the cave floor, depositing any residual limestone to form stalagmites. Eventually, the stalactites and stalagmites can combine into columns. This process is an ecologic because it depends on dripwater from the above environment for form and shape. Spatial variation is determined over time by these rock formations.
Figure 3.3 : A coral reef community populated by diverse colonies
Figure 3.4 : Rock formations shape the cavernous space.
Natural Systems | Large Scale Glacier A glacier is divided into three zones: the accumulation area, where snow adds to its mass; the equilibrium area, where the amount of snowfall equals the amount of snowmelt; and the ablation area, where melting and evaporation occurs. A glacier is an ecologic system that is created by climate and then reshapes its surrounding environment. The slow movement transports materials and carves away at the landscape.
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Figure 3.5 : A glacier leaves its trail as it moves through the landscape.