Coral Reefs in Decline

Climate Change Affecting Corals

We often picture coral reefs to be a lush, colorful habitat for thousands of marine organisms. But we're starting to witness that this is not the norm in most cases for coral reefs.

Picture source:www.unesco.org

Although climate change is not the sole reason coral reefs are declining, it is one reason for the changing environment that these corals live in that they need to survive. When the water absorbs heat from the rays, it warms. When coral reef waters are heated beyond their normal temperature levels, this affects the corals that live there. Most corals are very sensitive to their surroundings and these water temperature changes often result in a condition called "bleaching" which causes the corals to turn white (below picture). This often results in death and the inability for the coral reef to return. 

Picture source: www.noaanews.noaa.gov 

These kinds of deserted coral reefs are becoming more and more common as human impacts continue to negatively affect the corals. Many reports have been made stating the decline of coral reefs around the world. And this has been occurring since the 1970's, but it seems to be increasing in rate as our climate changes and our actions (like dumping sewage into the oceans) continue to injure some of the most beautiful areas on the planet.

Sources:

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/managing-the-reef/threats-to-the-reef/climate-change/what-does-this-mean-for-habitats/coral-reefs

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Coral/coral2.php