Coral Reef Bleaching
Coral Reef Bleaching is when there is a whitening of Coral Reefs. Coral Reef Bleaching is a stress-induced discharge and death of unicellular algae. This is a serious problem among Coral Reefs and is known as the greatest threat to the entire world’s Coral Reef ecologies.
Coral Reef Bleaching Process
The reason Coral Reef Bleaching occurs is when unicellular algae (specifically known as zooxanthellae) dies and loses its pigmentation. All Coral Reef species depend on their symbiotic correlation with the photosynthesizing zooxanthellae algae to grow, to thrive, and to give the Coral their vivid colors. In stressful times, Coral Reefs discharge their zooxanthellae, which “bleaches” or whitens the color of the Coral Reefs.
Coral Reef Bleaching Due to Infection Diseases
There are sometimes infectious diseases in our ocean that attack and kill the algae, which leads to Coral Reef Bleaching. About 10 years ago, a disease called Vibrio shiloi caused much damage to Coral Reefs in the Mediterranean Sea. The disease pierces the Coral Reef’s epidermis, begins to multiply, and prevents photosynthesis of the unicellular algae.
Coral Reef Bleaching Due to Acidification
Acidification poses a very great role in Coral Reef Bleaching. Ocean Acidification is when the ocean becomes more acidic due to the absorption of CO2 in the atmosphere. This makes it much more difficult for Coral Reefs to extract calcium carbonate to build the structures they need to survive.
Coral Reef Bleaching Due to Temperature
Coral Reef Bleaching is most commonly due to temperature change. Coral Reefs can only survive in a very fine temperature margin of about seven degrees C. The sea water cannot be too cool or too warm. Coral Reef Bleaching is much more often caused by elevated ocean water temperatures due to the recent effects of Global Warming.
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