My Passion For Geology

Consisting of less than 1% of the world oceans, the coral reefs are ancient animals comprising of thin calcium carbonate deposits within the photic layer. Aside from its biologically diverse ecosystems, coral reefs are major source of food for millions and provides habitats and nursery areas for many marine organisms. Coral reefs also act as a physical buffer to protect the coastlines from tropical storms and erosion. In addition, many local communities rely on coral reefs to generate an income through activities such as fishing and diving. However, 75% of the coral reefs are under threat from induced impacts of humans and climate change (Burke, et al., 2011). This essay looks at the human impacts constantly being inflicted on coral reefs.

The human impact on the reef has caused a lot of damage and so in 1971 the City of Onkaparinga, State Government, Coast care groups and environmental organisations all had supported a decision to protect the reef. So the reef has now a reserved part which is protected and separated from the one open to tourists. The positive effect of human intervention has been creating this 300 ha of aquatic reserve to safe

Irreversible destruction is occurring to our coral reef system. The majority of this destruction is caused by the human race. It is important that the people of the world come together to determine how to keep our precious resources in tact for future generations.

Conservationists around the world are putting their best foot forward in an attempt to save the coral reefs. Coral reefs today are at a high risk of damage because of all the attention drawn to them by tourists. There are some islands that make all their money through tourism and exploiting the coral reefs, giving snorkel and scuba diving trips to guests that have traveled from around the world. Many people travel to these places with amazing under water worlds and they come extremely uneducated about these beautiful masterpieces. Tourists will drop their anchors on top of corals and drive their boats over corals, causing severe damage that will take the coral years and years to replenish. There are always new ways to enhance the lives of the

“Coral reefs are extremely important for biodiversity, providing a home to over 25% of all marine life. They are also vital for people and business. They provide nurseries for many species of commercially important fish, protection of coastal areas from storm waves, and are a significant attraction for the tourism industry”

The key environmental points are that coral reefs provide important ecosystem goods and services for the maritime tropical and subtropical nations. Within the past two centuries, the main drivers of massive acceleration in the decrease of coral reef species that have caused widespread changes in reef ecosystems has been due to the direct and indirect effects of overfishing and pollution during agriculture and land development. Since markets for fish have gone global, along with other natural resources, reduced stocks of herbivorous fish and the nutrients from land-based activities have caused corals to be replaced with fleshy seaweed.

Marhaver opened her talk by speaking about the jobs that coral reefs do for other species: providing protection, and nutrition. They are farmers, chemists developing medical technology, and even founders of tourism activities like snorkeling. Nevertheless, we are rapidly destroying the reefs, by taking fish from the oceans, crushing them with our boats, and adding unnecessary means such as fertilizers and pollution. Marhaver then continues to describe an experience she had while getting her PhD in Curaçao. When after a tropical storm passed, in town, on the more populated side of the island where many corals were already broken, damaged insued. While on the other side of the island where the corals were thriving and healthy there was no change. Marhaver remarks that one coral, “ this storm took off half of its tissue, it became infested with algae”. This caused

In addition, the research article illustrates how bleaching of the coral reefs is a global issue with findings that imply that all regions in which coral reefs are located are equally affected with the decline of the coral reef in one given area. Likewise, findings in the research article show that coral reef decline is not limited to regional stressors, but also human impacts such as sedimentation as a result of urban development. The main issue discussed in the article is emphasized in the research article, suggesting the urgent need to implement policies to conserve coral reefs. Both articles touch upon the fact that coral reefs can grow back, however in the research articles one finding implies how coral reefs take a noteworthy amount of time to grow and gain its normal composition. Ultimately, the research article does not contradict the news article, but instead compliments the news article and reaffirms the growing issue of coral reef decline as a result of climate events and human

A group of researchers aimed to quantify regional and global patterns of decline as everyone seemed to know coral reefs were declined but not at what rate. Previous studies gathered qualitative data that was difficult to combine into a comprehensive understanding of what global coral reef patterns are like. They amassed and analyzed data on coral reef cover from 1968-2004 in the Indo-Pacific ocean which has 75% of the world’s coral population. The researchers presented their data with the intention of informing the public to effect better coral management and restoration practices. Their hypothesis was that coral reef decline would occur all over due to the ocean-wide increase in temperature and that it vary between areas depending on nearby

The U.S has many caves each with different cavernous terrain. These underground areas hold plenty of beautiful natural wonders from oddly interesting wildlife to huge crystal formations. The exploration of caves presents cavers with the opportunity to see new species. The amount of caves and the variety of them allows for a new experience and adventure every time. Some caves can be tight and cramped spaces or huge underground areas that are large enough to have water pools, even mini rivers and waterfalls. The mysteries of what a cave can hold is the most appealing part to

Responsible for more than one quarter of the ocean’s biodiversity, coral reefs or “rainforest of the sea” not only harbor millions of species but also provide daily nutrients to sustain marine life. Coral reefs prove to be an asset humans by offering food, economic services, and protection. However, coral reefs are experiencing rapid decline in locations which they once thrived due to harmful human activities; these activities is identified by pollution, overfishing or aggressive fishing, and tourism. Bordering coastlines of tropical countries these rocks shield humans by weakening powerful waves during storms. Sturdy but not indestructible they can easily crumple apart in rough weather, but not enough to potentially be fatal. Although laws

Although it may not be apparent to many, coral reefs are an immense necessity to ecosystems across the globe. They act as a major source of nitrogen and other critical nutrients for the hundreds of marine food chains that live close to or in these ecosystems. Coral is proves to be a major factor is recycling these nutrients. On top of this, coral reefs are a major component when it comes looking at its assistance in carbon and nitrogen fixing (an essential process due to the rise is global warming and pollution). Coral reefs absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels (GCCM). Aside from the ecological benefits, there are many benefits humans gain from healthy coral reefs. Coral reefs are an enormous help when it come to hurricanes. These reefs act as a natural barrier against storm surges. The natural barriers provide protection to coastlines from damage in which intense waves and tropical storms can bring. Reefs bring in billions of dollars to not only the United States, but hundreds of countries around the globe, as well as millions of employment opportunities. Reefs can help humans in the medical field as well. In these reefs lie the potential to implement biotechnologies and develop treatments for many illnesses, both acute and fatal alike. Coral reefs most crucial impact on this earth is one that cannot be disregarded. While coral reefs merely cover a fraction of a percent of the oceanic floor, these reefs produce what is estimated

In relation to my Unit Study work, my group and I are focusing on marine biology, which is an important aspect of the article. Currently, we are studying the inhabitants of the ocean, and their specific habitats. Because the guiding question for this work pertains to the relationship of society and nature and its development over time, this article will be an excellent basis to begin this research. Additionally, this article provided me with a much needed understanding of the importance of coral reefs to marine animals, which I will be able to convey in the

Coral reefs are generally called the rainforests of the sea, both due to the extensive amount of species they shelter, and to the significant productivity they generate (ICRI 2012). In addition to contributing to a valued habitat, coral reefs provide spawning, nursery, refuge and feeding areas, and provide nearly $30 billion (US) in net benefits in goods and services to world economies, including, tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection (ICRI 2012). Coral reefs are deteriorating all over the world due to untreated sewage and chemical agriculture run-off and unregulated coastal construction, both of which increases sedimentation, but they are also affected by over fishing and destructive fishing practices, scuba diving, and increased tourism (Spalding et al. 2001).

The deterioration of coral reefs is mainly linked to human activities – 88% of coral reefs are threatened through various reasons as