How monster storms shape fringing reefs: Observations from the 2020 Middle East Cyclone

In March 2020, an unusually intense storm system struck the Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat, resulting in severe shoreline damage. This brief account examines post-storm observations inconsistent damage patterns and structural changes along a specific coastal stretch located at south beach Eilat. Certain sections coastline experienced direct impact from extreme waves on south-southeast-facing shallow reef, areas where rocks were completely stripped corals due to sediment backwash. Conversely, characterized by ridges deep troughs saw loss branching some massive colonies, while many small survived. A neighboring area with well-developed fringing reef suffered lesser Between severely affected robust lies unconsolidated slope that migrated eastward least 2 m following storm, incorporating numerous coral colonies dislodged event. We propose this advances each major occurrence, influencing characteristics nearby shores reefs. case demonstrates how events, conjunction geomorphology, have cumulative significant not only structure communities but also fundamental shape reefs themselves. As climate change amplifies range, intensity, frequency storms, comprehending these processes becomes increasingly crucial.