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What is the average water temperature in a coral Reef?
Warm water temperature: Reef-building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different regions can withstand various temperature fluctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures of 68–90° F or 20–32° C.
How does water temperature affect the Great Barrier Reef?
Rising temperatures Rising sea temperatures mean the Reef is at greater risk of heat stress and mass coral bleaching. Higher temperatures can cause sea levels to rise, which in turn can cause coastal erosion, increased storm surges and lead to a loss of shallow-water habitats for marine organisms.
Is the Great Barrier Reef fresh water?
Rivers are the main source of freshwater flowing across the Great Barrier Reef catchment into the sea. Often the river water looks clean and clear but can be carrying large amounts of pollutants. Rivers act as corridors for many important species to move between freshwater, estuarine and marine environments.
What is the future of the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is at a critical tipping point that will determine its’ long term future. In fact, in August an Australian government report downgraded the reef’s future outlook from “poor” to “very poor.” Experts say if global warming worsens, we could could lose this world wonder as early as 2050.
What is the main problem in the Great Barrier Reef?
The Reef is highly vulnerable. In the past three decades, it has lost half its coral cover, pollution has caused deadly starfish outbreaks, and global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching. Coastal development also looms as a major threat.
How much rubbish is in the Great Barrier Reef?
“One million tonnes of dumping dredged sludge into world heritage waters treats our reef like a rubbish tip.”
Why can’t coral live in cold water?
Cairns: Tropical corals live in symbiosis with dinoflagellates, which are plant-like protozoa, so they need light. Deep, cold-water corals don’t have this symbiosis so they are free to live in cold water and water with no light.
Is the Great Barrier Reef good or bad?
The Great Barrier Reef is a resource of value to both tourism and other industries. In the past, the reef has narrowly escaped gas mining, oil spill disasters and overfishing, not to mention the ongoing impacts of land-based industries along the coast that drains to it.
What is the average rainfall in the Great Barrier Reef?
The coral reef biome experiences an average yearly precipitation of 78.75 inches. The yearly average rainfall varies depending upon the location of the coral reef. For example, the most rainfall on the Great Barrier Reef occurs in the rainy season, which starts in September and ends in March.
What is the average temperature in coral reefs?
Coral reef temperatures in the wild range from 68 to 97°F (20 to 36°C). The warm, shallow water is essential for photosynthesis of the zooxanthellae algae. Deep-sea corals are capable of living in temperatures as low as 30.2°F (-1°C).
What are the September water temps Great Barrier Reef?
Average water temperature in Great Barrier Reef in September is 24.9°C/76.8°F and therefore suitable for comfortable swimming. The warmest sea in Great Barrier Reef in September is 26.8°C/80.2°F, and the coldest sea temperature in September is 23.3°C/73.9°F.