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High-resolution (∼weekly) laser ablation ICP-MS trace element analyses (B, Sr, U, Mg, Ba) are reported for the scleractinian coral Cladocora caespitosa, collected from the Northern Adriatic Sea. Geochemical ratios (Sr/Ca, B/Ca, Mg/Ca, U/Ca, Ba/Ca) were measured in a 38-mm long (∼10 years’ growth) external coralline portion (wall region) and generally exhibit a close relationship with the in situ measured (weekly–fortnightly) data on sea surface temperature (SST), available for the last 6 years. In particular, B/Ca ratios tuned to fine-scale variations in SST show a high degree of correlation (r=-0.856, n=136) with SST, and indicate that coral calcification only occurs above a minimum temperature threshold of 14–16°C. In addition, the ranges of trace element variability are larger than those typically recorded in tropical corals, consistent with the large seasonal variations in SST of the Adriatic. This study thus …