Articles for tag: coral reefs

The Deepest Coral Reef Ever Discovered — And the Life It Hides

The Deepest Coral Reef Ever Discovered — And the Life It Hides

Annette Uy

Imagine plunging into a world so deep and shadowy that sunlight barely touches its secrets. In this silent underwater realm, far below the familiar splash of tropical reefs, scientists have uncovered something truly astonishing: the deepest coral reef ever found. This discovery rewrites what we thought we knew about where life can thrive. It challenges ...

The Reefs of Tomorrow: Predicting Which Corals Will Survive Climate Chaos

The Reefs of Tomorrow: Predicting Which Corals Will Survive Climate Chaos

Annette Uy

Beneath the shimmering blue surface of our oceans lies a world of color and life so breathtaking it almost feels otherworldly. Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” are home to a quarter of all marine life, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. Yet, in recent years, this kaleidoscopic wonderland ...

The 24-Hour Clock of Coral Reefs: Night and Day Underwater Worlds

The 24-Hour Clock of Coral Reefs: Night and Day Underwater Worlds

Annette Uy

Have you ever wondered what happens beneath the waves while you sleep? Coral reefs are not just static underwater gardens—they are bustling cities that never truly rest, where the rhythm of life pulses with the rising and setting of the sun. As brilliant daylight fades and darkness sweeps in, the cast of characters on the ...

The Ocean’s Secret Builders: How Coral Reefs Construct Entire Ecosystems

The Ocean’s Secret Builders: How Coral Reefs Construct Entire Ecosystems

Annette Uy

Have you ever wondered how the vibrant underwater cities of coral reefs come into existence? These spectacular structures are not just a feast for the eyes; they are the backbone of some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” play a crucial role in ...

The Eternal Reef Cycle

Reefs Older Than Bones: The Rise and Fall of Ancient Coral Cities

Annette Uy

Long before the first dinosaur took its first breath, before the first tree cast its shadow on land, magnificent underwater cities thrived in Earth’s ancient seas. These weren’t built by architects or engineers, but by tiny marine organisms that created structures so massive they could be seen from space, so enduring they outlasted entire geological ...

How Coral Reefs Use Sound to Attract Fish

How Coral Reefs Use Sound to Attract Fish

Andrew Alpin

Picture yourself floating above a coral reef in crystal-clear tropical waters. You’re mesmerized by the vibrant colors of brain coral and swaying sea fans when you notice something unexpected. Through your snorkel mask, the reef sounds like a bustling underwater city – pops, grunts, scrapes, and crackles fill your ears. This isn’t just background noise; ...

Hawaii's Coral Forests Are Making a Miraculous Recovery

Hawaii’s Coral Forests Are Making a Miraculous Recovery

Andrew Alpin

Something remarkable is happening beneath the azure waters surrounding Hawaii’s islands. After years of devastating bleaching events and environmental challenges, the state’s coral reefs are showing signs of miraculous recovery thanks to groundbreaking restoration efforts and innovative community partnerships. The transformation represents hope not just for local marine ecosystems, but for coral conservation efforts worldwide. ...

Strange "Living Rocks" Found Off Puerto Rico

Strange “Living Rocks” Found Off Puerto Rico

Jan Otte

The ocean depths around continue to reveal remarkable secrets that challenge our understanding of marine life. Recent scientific discoveries have unveiled fascinating coral ecosystems and marine creatures that blur the lines between rocks and living organisms. These findings highlight the extraordinary biodiversity thriving in Caribbean waters and offer new hope for marine conservation efforts. What ...

North beach from Willinga Point in the township of Bawley Point, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

The Ocean’s Silent Crisis: Acidification Reaches Dangerous Levels  

April Joy Jovita

Scientists have issued a stark warning: ocean acidification has crossed planetary boundaries, threatening marine ecosystems and coastal economies. A study published in Global Change Biology reveals that by 2020, ocean acidity had already reached critical levels in some regions, surpassing the safe threshold for marine life. The findings suggest that the rapid decline in ocean ...

Beneath Washington D.C.: Secrets of Fossilized Coral Reefs and Ancient Tides

Beneath Washington D.C.: Secrets of Fossilized Coral Reefs and Ancient Tides

Annette Uy

Imagine standing in the heart of Washington D.C., surrounded by the hustle and bustle of politics, monuments, and museums. Now, picture yourself sinking through the ground—down, down, past subway tunnels and bedrock—until you land in a world so ancient, so wild, it staggers the imagination. Here, beneath the city, is a secret landscape sculpted by ...