Warming ocean temperatures cause a bleaching event on a coral reef, which becomes degraded. The corals begin to die. In 3–5 sentences, explain what will happen to the sea floor around the coral reef and the coastline near the coral reef.(4 points)
As the corals die and degrade due to warming ocean temperatures and bleaching, the sea floor around the coral reef will lose its structure and stability. Without the presence of live coral colonies, the sea floor will become more barren and may experience increased erosion. This can lead to the loss of important habitats and diminish the overall biodiversity in the area. Additionally, the degradation of the coral reef can impact the coastline near it by reducing the protection provided by the reef against wave action and storm surges. This heightened vulnerability may result in increased coastal erosion and potential threats to infrastructure and human settlements.
When corals die due to warming ocean temperatures, the sea floor around the coral reef will be negatively impacted. As the corals lose their structural integrity, they provide less protection from wave action and storm surge, increasing coastal erosion. Additionally, the corals provide habitats for various marine organisms, and their loss can lead to a decline in biodiversity and disruption of the ecosystem on the sea floor. As for the coastline near the coral reef, the degradation of the reef can also lead to an increase in beach erosion, as the coral reef acts as a natural barrier that helps absorb and dissipate wave energy. The loss of these natural protections can leave the coastline more vulnerable to erosion and coastal flooding.
When corals die due to warming ocean temperatures and bleaching, the sea floor around the coral reef undergoes significant changes. With the absence of live corals, there is a decrease in the structural complexity and stability of the reef ecosystem. As a result, the sea floor becomes barren, covered with dead coral skeletons and algae. This impacts the overall biodiversity and abundance of marine organisms that depend on the reef for shelter and food, leading to a decline in fish populations. Additionally, the loss of coral reefs can also make the coastline more vulnerable to erosion and storm surges, as the reefs act as natural barriers that reduce wave energy and protect the shore.
