Welcome to GEOLOGY 115, Coral Reefs: Biology, Geology & Politics. Unfortunately, no approriate text exists for this course. This is a working draft of an electronic text that is being prepared in response to comments from prior classes that some of the material is difficult to absorb - especially what appears in the journal references that we occasionally use when we discuss new and evolving principles. This is meant to be a resource for you to help prepare for lectures. Thus, it should be read before the class meeting in which the material is discussed. The course is designed so that non-science majors can understand the material just as easily as those that might feel they are more scientifically inclined. The secret, however, is three-fold. First, make sure to keep up with the readings. Second, ask a lot of questions in class, even if you feel self-conscious..... the only stupid question is the one you should have asked.... and didn't. and finally, don't fall into the trap of thinking that this text, the posted Powerpoint slides and othe aids posted to help you along are a substitute for lecture. This last one is a deadly mistake.