An international study comparing data from Heron Reef and the Middle East’s Gulf of Aqaba has disproved the long-held theory that coral reefs only have the capacity to emit CO2 “Our research, which included analysis of data collected at Heron Reef on the Great Barrier Reef, has confirmed the crucial role of local meteorology and the prevailing weather patterns in determining reef water temperatures,” Professor Lensky said.”To further test and understand how dust may influence air-sea CO2 exchange, we need to do more research into how this may change in different seasons and locations, such as over coral reefs like Ningaloo reef in northwest Australia.”
Coral reefs becoming carbon sinks will be the end of coral reefs. The reefs are already affected so much by the increasing acidity and temperature. If they are carbon sinks coral reefs will continue to get destroyed and 25% present of life in the ocean will most likely die. The reason why coral is dying is because of the heat the coral gets stressed and basically kicks out the algae that it has a mutual relationship with and relies on to survive. Corals are also dying because of other elements but that is the main reason. Even though there are corals that are resilient to the rising temperatures it is to an extent.
2 thoughts on “Desert dusts convert coral reefs into carbon storage. (Adopt- a- topic: coral reefs)”
It’s really interesting that coral reefs can both take in and release carbon dioxide, and it probably has to do with them having some of the properties of plants as well as animals. I’m confused about why them being a carbon sink would be bad for the reefs though, wouldn’t that make the oceans warm at a slower rate and make it better suited for the corals?
It’s sad seeing how climate change is directly affecting the life around us. Is it possible to move coral reefs to cooler places, perhaps only temporarily? I’m glad research is being done now rather than later down in time when there is less of a chance to save the reefs.
It’s really interesting that coral reefs can both take in and release carbon dioxide, and it probably has to do with them having some of the properties of plants as well as animals. I’m confused about why them being a carbon sink would be bad for the reefs though, wouldn’t that make the oceans warm at a slower rate and make it better suited for the corals?
It’s sad seeing how climate change is directly affecting the life around us. Is it possible to move coral reefs to cooler places, perhaps only temporarily? I’m glad research is being done now rather than later down in time when there is less of a chance to save the reefs.