Williams,-E.H.,Jr.; Bunkley-Williams,-L.  The world-wide 
	coral reef bleaching cycle and related sources of coral 
	mortality.  ATOLL-RES.-BULL. 1990. no. 335, vp.

World-wide "coral reef bleaching complexes" occurred in 1979-
80, 1982-83 and 1986-88. Each included a "preceding event" 1 
year (1979, 1982, 1986) before the most extensive ("main 
event") bleaching began. The 1986-88 complex also possessed a 
"following event" (1988). A number of minor bouts also 
occurred during each complex. Preceding events may be used to 
predict main bleaching events. The authors believe the world-
wide coral reef bleaching complex "cycle" is caused by 
increased global temperatures of the 1980's. The progressive 
deterioration of inshore regions, including coral reefs, may 
have contributed to the intensity of the events. The cycle 
may repeat in 1991 or 1992, possibly with more intensity, and 
will probably continue and increase until coral dominated 
reefs no longer exist.