A Brief Note on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef constitutes approximately 3,000 individual coral reefs, each with its unique biodiversity; it is roughly the size of 900 islands stretching over a vast area. Dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and sharks are among the animals you’re likely to recognise. Venomous sea snakes, brightly coloured worms, and large algae are also present. The species try to interact to form a complex and delicate ecosystem that relies entirely on the coral reef for survival. However, the coral, and thus all the organisms that depend on it, is now in grave danger. Coral has a unique relationship with algae when it is healthy.

The Varieties of Coral Reefs

• Fringing

Fringing reefs are the youngest and most general coral reef formations, and they are the foremost stage in constructing a coral reef. Because of their age, they have the most diminutive species diversity and emerged onshore. These reefs form borders along the seashore and surround new islands by growing just beneath the ocean’s surface, spreading directly seaward.

• Patch Reefs

Although some scientists do not consider patch reefs among the primary types of coral reef evolutions found in the ocean, in terms of commonality, this phase is second only to fringing reefs. Patch reefs are small, secluded reefs that form on the exposed extremity of an island platform or continental shelf, ordinarily within lagoons.

• Barrier Reefs

A barrier reef is a subsequent stage in forming a coral reef. Because they border shorelines, these evolutions are similar to fringing reefs. The main distinction is that barrier reefs are parted from land by deep lagoons that can be various miles wide and 30-70 metres deep. They form when fringing reefs slowly combine to make a borderline along the coast.

• Coral Reefs Endangered

The largest coral reef, i.e. The Great Barrier Reef, is the world’s most remarkable and most extensive ecological hotspot, is at risk, and so are all the other reefs. The Great Barrier Reef is habited to at least 400 different coral species and thousands of dissimilar fish, molluscs, sea turtles, birds, snakes, dolphins, whales, and other animals.

What Is the Impact of Climate Change on the Great Barrier Reef?

Tropical North Queensland weather is challenging to beat, with plenty of sunshine, refreshing sea breezes, warm seas, and a warm climate all year. The region has two distinct seasons: a winter with mild and little rain and summer with hot, humid temperatures and more rain.

Winter, also known as the ‘Dry’ season, lasts from May to October and features sunshine, cool breezes, and low humidity. The ‘Wet’ season, summer, stays from November to April and carries afternoon, tropical downpours, and the infrequent dramatic electrical storm.

Climate change has various influences on the Great Coral Reef, including:

• Bleaching of Coral Reefs

When corals are stressed by heat, they dislodge the light microscope algae within their tissues. Corals appear transparent and expose their white skeletons without algae to provide colour. Even though bleached coral reefs are not dead, they are much more vulnerable to disease and starvation.

• The Oceans Are Becoming Acidic

The oceans contain approximately 30 % of the CO2 caused by human activity since the late 18th century, lowering their pH level.

 As the sea becomes more acidic, corals lose their capacity to build skeletons and construct reefs that further protect coastal areas and provide habitat for thousands of marine species.

• Extreme Weather Conditions

An increase in climate change is highly affecting the weather events of coral reefs. It is causing more extended droughts and higher temperatures in some areas while increasing rainfall in others.

• Changes in Habitat

Many marine species are forced to migrate south to more incredible habitats as water temperatures rise. This shift increases competition for food and shelter in calmer waters, putting the entire ecosystem at risk.

Conclusion

Coral reefs are submerged structures composed of the skeletons of colonial ocean invertebrates such as sponges, corals, hydroids, some anemones, bryozoans, and ascidians. These are attached to the ocean floor and reproduce asexually to spread across their substratum.

They have a sac-like body with an opening surrounded by stinging tentacles. Each coral is a polyp that builds a cup-shaped skeleton for itself using calcium and carbonate ions from seawater. The combination of these beautiful immobile polyps forms a coral reef, a world unto itself of which humans have only discovered a tiny fraction.

All corals are susceptible to environmental stimuli, particularly temperature. The appearance and health of corals are greatly influenced by acidity and temperature. When the algae that give the coral its colour combinations leave due to high temperatures, the coral is said to be bleached.