Scientists Say Most Diverse Coral Site Ever Seen on Great Barrier Reef Discovered (theguardian.com) 38
In a space no longer than 500 metres, researchers say they recorded at least 195 different species of corals. From a report: A team of researchers says it has discovered the most diverse coral site ever recorded on the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a non-profit organisation that conducts research trips on the reef, and scientist Charlie Veron, known as the godfather of coral, have identified the site on the outer reef. In a space no longer than 500 metres, the researchers say they recorded at least 195 different species of corals on a research expedition last month. The group first stumbled upon the site on a voyage last year, and returned in November to conduct studies.
"I've spent eight years working on the Great Barrier Reef in just about every nook and cranny," Veron said. "I thought there would be nothing new for me on the Great Barrier Reef." Veron returned with the group to record the corals and will write a paper on the site. He said it was located in a general area that had been affected by widespread coral bleaching and coral mortality and it would take further work to assess why this particular spot had survived so far. It also appeared to have been unaffected by cyclones and other factors such as crown of thorns that threaten coral health.
"I've spent eight years working on the Great Barrier Reef in just about every nook and cranny," Veron said. "I thought there would be nothing new for me on the Great Barrier Reef." Veron returned with the group to record the corals and will write a paper on the site. He said it was located in a general area that had been affected by widespread coral bleaching and coral mortality and it would take further work to assess why this particular spot had survived so far. It also appeared to have been unaffected by cyclones and other factors such as crown of thorns that threaten coral health.
"In a space no longer than 500 metres" (Score:1)
I wish I could have more faith that part wouldn't be deliberately overlooked by the onslaught of denialists that will now begin to spam "See, this proves the coral reefs are totally fine." I guess we'll see.
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Re: "In a space no longer than 500 metres" (Score:1)
Denialists? Why do you AGW cultists always talk in religious terms of faith instead of using terms from science like proof, evidence, error bars and so on?
Because you ARE religious anti-science cultists.
Yet Every Ice Age - Completely destroyed (Score:3, Interesting)
So the great barrier reef, so diverse, yet every iceage, it goes from being an underwater formation, to a well inland above sea level formation, fully exposed to wind and sun, entirely destroyed every ten odd thousands years or so, interesting huh. Coral seems to have little problem re-settling as conditions change. There are coral cores that prove it, though they are little discussed for some reason?
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Just because you aren't exposed to them doesn't mean these things aren't discussed. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/dec/06/global-warming-extinction-report-the-great-dying
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though they are little discussed for some reason?
STOP IT -- you're disturbing the public performance. Are you trying to go back to re-education camp again? I hear they have extra-better marshmallows now.
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Re:Yet Every Ice Age - Completely destroyed (Score:4, Informative)
"Coral seems to have little problem re-settling as conditions change. There are coral cores that prove it, though they are little discussed for some reason?"
That's is well known, and just because YOU don't hear it discussed doesn't mean there's a conspiracy. Just because coral doesn't go extinct due to sea level changes of a meter or so a year doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned with current circumstances.
And then within 2 years (Score:2)
95 species were destroyed due to pollution from all the visitation by people wanting to see this amazing site.
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Destroyed? Are you sure? (Score:2)
A) If they just now found this patch with so many various coral species, how can you ro anyone claim some particular coral species is extinct? It may still be alive, just somewhere they have not seen.
B) Perhaps you are confused by reports of bleaching? Because that does not "destroy" coral, they start to recover after a few years [slashdot.org].
C) How did "visitation" kill anything? the GBR is highly controlled as to who can visit where.
Re: Destroyed? Are you sure? (Score:1)
It's not correct to say Bleaching doesn't, it does kill just like being shot will kill you in most cases without treatment, however if any zooxanthellae survive, then the corral can recover, but this is not a short process.
I've had pieces bleech and survive, but it still has taken years for them to fully recover their color, though sometimes they can start growing again within months, even if stunted.
"In a space no longer than 500 metres ... " (Score:2)
it bears repeating.
amazing (Score:2)
how much there is still to be discovered on our little planet earth.
and this was an area that was actively studies and monitored and they still managed to miss it.
makes you wonder what other things we haven't found yet.
Hmm, obviously (Score:2)