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Spatial variation of water column characteristics, sediment parameters and irradiance on coral reefs was examined in the Whitsunday region of the Great Barrier Reef during five sampling events between 2004 and 2006. Sampling locations were selected along a transect from outer reefs distant from terrestrial inputs, to coastal reefs near the Australian mainland. Most of the water column variables (especially chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, particulate organic carbon and particulate nutrients) and irradiance variables (Secchi and optical depth) changed significantly along the transect. For example, concentrations of chlorophyll a and total suspended solids increased two- and three-fold, respectively, from outer to coastal locations, while sediment inorganic carbon decreased and sediment colour became darker. Similarly, Secchi and optical depth, two measures of water transparency, decreased approximately …