3D Coral Computer Imaging Video Killed the 2D Crude Linear Metrics Radio Star

3D Coral Imaging of Acropora palmata

Tali Vardi, 6th year IGERT PhD Candidate from the Sandin Lab, is into models. All sorts. She is creating a population model of Acropora palmata, the formerly abundant and now endangered Elkhorn Coral, based on several years of demographic monitoring in five locations around the Carribean.

Acropora palmata in Palmyra Atoll

The digital model presented here will help her understand the relationship between the linear metrics collected underwater and the actual surface area of Acropora palmata colonies. Kellyn Yaori (who built the model shown here) and Jeff Hester, are Tali’s two stellar interns.