Coral Bleaching Follows Rapid Warming
Reference
Jones, R.J. 1997. Changes in zooxanthellar densities and chlorophyll concentrations in corals during and after a bleaching event. Marine Ecology Progress Series 158: 51-59.
Reviewed 1 April 1999
Reference
Jones, R.J. 1997. Changes in zooxanthellar densities and chlorophyll concentrations in corals during and after a bleaching event. Marine Ecology Progress Series 158: 51-59.
What was done
The author of this paper studied a coral bleaching event in the Great Barrier Reef that followed a rapid increase in sea water temperature.
What was learned
Average daily sea water temperatures measured approximately one month prior to the bleaching event were around 28°C. Sea water temperatures increased over the next week and leveled off at 29.5°C for the week following, after which they again rose by an additional 2.5°C over an eight-day period, following which bleached corals were observed.
What it means
This study demonstrates the link between rapid warming and coral bleaching.
Reviewed 1 April 1999