August 7, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by University of Wollongong The Great Barrier Reef is under critical pressure, with warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events threatening to destroy the remarkable ecology, biodiversity, and beauty of the world's largest coral reef, according to new research. "Highest ocean heat in four centuries places Great Barrier Reef in danger," published in Nature 8 August, led by University of Wollongong (UOW) Honorary Fellow and University of Melbourne Lecturer Dr.
Benjamin Henley, provides evidence of the impact that rising sea surface temperatures have had, and will continue to have, on Australia's ecological jewel. The research reconstructs 400 years of summer sea surface temperatures in the Coral Sea. The results chronicle extreme recent ocean heat that has led to mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee recently handed down its final decision on the state of the Great Barrier Reef, declining to list the Reef as in danger. However, the scientists have pushed back and say, based on their new evidence, the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely in danger. Dr.
Henley and his team combined sea surface temperature reconstructions using geochemical data from coral cores previously co.