The Effects of Global Warming On Coral Reefs Essay

The Effects of Global Warming On Coral Reefs Graphs Missing Introduction: The effects of global warming touch every human, animal, plant, ocean, landmass, and atmosphere level on this planet. The numerous effects of global warming are mixes of good and bad results, depending on how your definition of good results and bad results are. A good effect, a person could say, would be for regions with normally cold temperatures to receive warmer temperatures for their normal. Yet, there are more bad effects that seem to out weight the good effects. Some of the effects would include increases of flooding, severe storm systems, and rising sea-levels. One major consequence would be an increase of temperature globally. This would†¦show more content†¦What is Bleaching? Coral reefs contain symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae which gives the coral its healthy brownish color. The algae utilizes sunlight and the coral animals respired CO2 to produce energy rich compounds that feed the coral host (AIMS, 2003). When stress factors such as heat, solar radiation, pollution, reduced salinity and changes in oxygenation occur around the coral, bleaching can begin (Dennis). When bleaching occurs, the algae, which create nutrients for the coral to feed from, is released due to stresses to the reef. Thus the coral starves and its white calcium carbonate skeleton of the coral becomes visible (AIMS, 2003). But one of the main stresses that contributes to the lifeless white appearance of the coral is the warmer temperatures of the sea surface water. Causes There are many causes that contribute to the ghostly image of bleached corals, pollutants in the water, natural events - hurricanes, waves, and human activities - commercial scuba diving, heavy tourism in highly biodiversed aquatic areas. Yet the one major factor that causes this bleaching is the increase in the sea surface temperatures. The warmer temperatures are results of global warming, the rising concentrations of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide. Natural in presence, carbon dioxide along with water vapor and other gases absorb thermal radiation that traps heat to warm the Earth. However, with theShow MoreRelated The Effects of Global Warming on the Great Barrier Reef Essay950 Words   |  4 PagesThe Effects of Global Warming on the Great Barrier Reef Introduction Coral reefs around the world are in danger. One of the causes is global warming, which has been increasing the temperature of the ocean water resulting in coral bleaching. This essay will focus on damage occurring to the Great Barrier Reef. What is a Coral Reef? A coral reef is a ridge formed in shallow ocean water by accumulated calcium-containing exoskeletons of coral animals, certain red algae, and mollusks. 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