ABSTRACT
Accounts of mass mortalities of echinoderms washed ashore from storm-induced wave activity are mostly anecdotal. This chapter considers mass mortalities resulting from abiotic factors, occurring in a short period of time (minutes to several weeks), and killing a substantial number of individuals of a population. Mass mortalities from abiotic factors do not involve the specificity of or density dependency of biological interactions as may occur with predation or disease. For biologists, mass mortalities as disturbances have importance for other reasons. They affect population and community structure and may affect the evolution of life-history characteristics. Brongersma-Sanders listed an increase in temperature, covering with ash, flood waves, poisonous gases, and acidic water as injurious consequences of vulcanism. These would be in addition to actual destruction of the habitat.
