Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration
Published on: June 7, 2024
Rapid, long-distance dispersal by pumice rafting
Scott E Bryan1, Alex G Cook, Jason P Evans
1School of Geography, Geology and Environment, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom. scott.bryan@qut.edu.au
Abstract:
Pumice is an extremely effective rafting agent that can dramatically increase the dispersal range of a variety of marine organisms and connect isolated shallow marine and coastal ecosystems. Here we report on a significant recent pumice rafting and long-distance dispersal event that occurred across the southwest Pacific following the 2006 explosive eruption of Home Reef Volcano in Tonga. We have constrained the trajectory, and rate, biomass and biodiversity of transfer, discovering more than 80 species and a substantial biomass underwent a >5000 km journey in 7-8 months. Differing microenvironmental conditions on the pumice, caused by relative stability of clasts at the sea surface, promoted diversity in biotic recruitment. Our findings emphasise pumice rafting as an important process facilitating the distribution of marine life, which have implications for colonisation processes and success, the management of sensitive marine environments, and invasive pest species.
More Related Videos
07:23Inducing Polyp Bail-out in Coral Colonies to Obtain Individualized Micropropagates for Laboratory Experimental Use
Published on: April 28, 2022
11:50Metal-silicate Partitioning at High Pressure and Temperature: Experimental Methods and a Protocol to Suppress Highly Siderophile Element Inclusions
Published on: June 13, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Diversity of Protists III
Diversity of Protists IV
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Speciation Rates
Distribution and Dispersion
Short-distance Transport of Resources