Global Warming and Coral Reefs

Posted on June 20, 2009 in Latest News

A coral reef is basically a collection of calcium carbonate deposits of marine organisms. These organisms make their home in the deposits.

Though corals are the predominant organisms in a coral reef, it supports a whole lot of other organisms like algae, fish, starfish etc.

Corals get their nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with single celled organisms living within them. The single celled organisms make food through photosynthesis, and they make more food than they use. The corals take the extra food to live. The single celled organisms also give the corals their color.

Coral reefs are important for the existence of many species of marine life. They provide shelter and food to these organisms. Coral reefs are also important for people as they provide fish, protection from storm waves and are an attraction for tourists.

Effects of global warming on coral reefs

Coral reefs may be disappearing from the face of the earth due to global warming. If the present rate of destruction continues, coral reefs will become extinct in our own lifetime.

Coral reefs can only survive in a narrow temperature. A little increase or decrease in temperature, and they will be gone.

Coral bleaching

Global warming leads to a phenomenon called coral bleaching.

When the temperature of the ocean increases, the single celled organisms on which the corals rely on for nutrition die. This kills the corals and endangers other organisms which depend on them for survival. With the death of the single celled organisms, the color of the corals also goes away. This gives an effect of bleaching.

Ocean acidification

The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the absorption also increases. This results in an increase in the acidity of ocean water. Increase in acidity encourages growth of algae, which in turn choke the corals.

Diseases

Increase in temperature also brings about various communicable diseases in the corals, leading to their death.

Seychelles Coral Reef and the Great Barrier Reef

Research had shown that already 90% of the Seychelles coral reef and 30% of the Great Barrier Reef have already been destroyed. The chances of their recovering are also slim, due to continuing warming of the oceans.

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