How does climate change affect the Great Barrier Reef?

How does climate change affect the Great Barrier Reef?

Impacts on the Reef climate projections for the reef show that sea and air temperatures will continue to increase, sea level is rising, the ocean is becoming more acidic, intense storms and rainfall will become more frequent, and ocean currents will change.

What is the climate and weather of the Great Barrier Reef?

Temperatures are pretty steady throughout the year, with an average maximum of 30°C and minimum of 21°C. Though this can rise much higher in the warmer months. This tropical climate makes the Great Barrier Reef party to plenty of rain throughout the year, with an average of 2010mm falling during the year.

What are the effects of climate change on coral reefs?

Climate change leads to: A warming ocean: causes thermal stress that contributes to coral bleaching and infectious disease. Sea level rise: may lead to increases in sedimentation for reefs located near land-based sources of sediment. Sedimentation runoff can lead to the smothering of coral.

What is the environment of the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef is unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters. Within this vast expanse are a unique range of ecological communities, habitats and species – all of which make the Reef one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world.

What is affecting 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.

What are the seasons like in the Great Barrier Reef?

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall. Winter, or the ‘Dry’ season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity.

What changes have occurred in the Great Barrier Reef?

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has lost more than half of its corals since 1995 due to warmer seas driven by climate change, a study has found. Scientists found all types of corals had suffered a decline across the world’s largest reef system. The steepest falls came after mass bleaching events in 2016 and 2017.

How does climate change affect marine ecosystems?

Climate change is likely to alter patterns of wind and water circulation in the ocean environment. Such changes may influence the vertical movement of ocean waters (i.e., upwelling and downwelling), increasing or decreasing the availability of essential nutrients and oxygen to marine organisms.

How pollution affects the Great Barrier Reef?

Pollution can smother coral reefs, lower water quality, and make corals more susceptible to disease. When sediment and other pollutants enter the water, they smother coral reefs, speed the growth of damaging algae, and lower water quality.

What is the biggest impact on the Great Barrier Reef?

Climate change is the single biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, as it is to many ecosystems around the world. The cumulative impact of climate change, land run-off and other threats is testing the ability of the Reef to recover from major disturbances.

What affects the Great Barrier Reef?

The growing combination of rising water temperatures, poorer water quality from sediment run-off and pollution, as well as more severe cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, are just some of the threats creating a perfect storm for our reef and the iconic animals that depend on it.

What is the climate like in the Great Barrier Reef?

Climate. Reefs can only survive in warm, tropical temperatures. These tropical areas are located 30 degrees north or south of the equator. The Great Barrier Reef is located in the 30 degrees south of the equator are. If the reef goes below 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the reef will start to die. [1]

What is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef?

Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs worldwide. Climate change is caused by global emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing.

How can we help the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs?

We recognise the critical importance of strong and effective implementation of all government programs, policies and tools supporting action on climate change. We encourage others to take action to reduce the risks and limit the impacts of climate change on the Reef and coral reefs globally.

How many species of fish are in the Great Barrier Reef?

Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.