stony corals

Stony coral topography validated through precise photogrammetric analysis

Massive reef-building corals like *Orbicella* and *Montastraea* are not just the most abundant, they are the most structurally complex. Using centimeter-resolution photogrammetry in the Dry Tortugas, we can now quantify their distinct "topographic signatures." These empirical metrics reveal that weedy opportunists offer far less rugosity. As disturbances accelerate reef flattening, this validated approach becomes critical for predicting functional loss. For deeper context on restoring lost complexity, see our work on "Rebuilding reefs with engineered structures."