Coral Bleaching

Definition

Coral bleaching occurs when coral reefs lose their vibrant colors due to stress, such as increased water temperatures or pollution. This can lead to the death of the coral if the stress is prolonged.

Related terms

Ocean Acidification:

Ocean acidification refers to the process of seawater becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide absorption from human activities. This can harm corals by making it harder for them to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.

Bleaching Event: A bleaching event is a period when large-scale coral bleaching occurs over an extended area, often caused by environmental factors like high water temperatures.

Coral Reef Ecosystem: A coral reef ecosystem is a diverse community of organisms that depend on each other and on the structure provided by corals. It includes various species of fish, invertebrates, and plants that rely on healthy corals for survival.