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Learn about coral bleaching, its causes, and effects on global coral reefs due to factors like rising sea temperatures and human disturbances. Explore coral anatomy and the crucial relationship between corals and zooxanthellae. Find out why combating global warming is the key solution to preserve coral reefs.
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Coral Bleaching Chrissy Covington October 14, 2004 Introduction to Coastal Management Dr. Hosier & Dr. Cleary
Basic Anatomy of Corals • Coral polyp – sessile organism, deposits a calcium carbonate cup around itself • Coral heads – collection of calcified polyps, cemented together by coralline algae • Coral reef – collection of coral heads
Corals & Zooxanthellae Corals provide zooxanthellae: secure home steady supply of carbon dioxide Zooxanthellae provide corals: fixed carbon compounds for energy enhanced calcification nutrients coloration
Coral Bleaching • Loss of color from corals • Results from loss of zooxanthellae or loss of pigments from zooxanthellae • Corals lose 60-90% of their zooxanthellae, each zooxanthella loses 50-80% of its pigment
Causes of Bleaching • Increased sea surface temperatures, due to global warming • Human disturbances • Sedimentation • Coastal pollution • Sudden exposure
Areas affected before mass bleaching event of 1998 Degree of bleaching: red – high yellow – medium blue – low green - none
Areas affected after mass bleaching event of 1998 Degree of bleaching: red – high yellow – medium blue – low green - none
Conclusion • Coral bleaching most likely caused by effects of global warming • Only solution is to combat global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
