How old is the great barrier reef?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef
To find out the age of the Great Barrier Reef, you can follow these steps:
1. The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder located off the northeastern coast of Australia. It is a living structure made up of billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps.
2. The age of the Great Barrier Reef can be determined through various scientific methods, including radiometric dating and coral growth rate analysis.
3. Scientists have used radiometric dating techniques to estimate the age of limestone formations, which make up the majority of the Great Barrier Reef. This involves analyzing the isotopes (forms of elements with different numbers of neutrons) in the rocks to determine their age.
4. By analyzing samples of ancient coral reefs and limestone formations within the Great Barrier Reef, scientists have estimated that the reef is approximately 600,000 years old.
5. It's important to note that the Great Barrier Reef has not remained static throughout its existence. It has undergone periods of growth and retreat due to changes in sea level and other environmental factors.
So, based on the research and scientific analysis, the estimated age of the Great Barrier Reef is around 600,000 years.