Question

Elevated ocean temperatures are one factor contributing to coral bleaching. Therefore, it seems logical that as the Earth warms, then the latitudes in which the temperature range is suitable for coral reef formation should move away from the equator and toward cooler waters at higher latitudes. Provide and briefly explain three or more distinct (natural or anthropogenic) environmental factors that might prevent outcome this from occurring? In other words, what would constrain the movement of coral reefs to the poles while following their optimal temperature range? Discuss your answers with others. Use of specific examples is encouraged.

Explain two or more positive feedback loops that might negatively affect both the health of coral reef systems and the rate of global climate. Discuss your answers with others. Use of diagrams is encouraged.

Answer 1

Bleaching happens when the colourful algae that are living inside the corals are ejected. It is very improbable that coral-ruled reef systems will be present in future seas and oceans at the ongoing rate of warming and acidification of the earth's tropical seas. Since it is the global warming that is causing coral reefs to move towards poles, so the agents that may prevent these movements should be the ones alleviating temperature of the globe or maintaining the temperature range that is suitable for coral reef formation in their native areas.

The factors that will prevent the movement of corals towards higher latitudes are as follows:

1. Reducing carbon output to reduce greenhouse gases.  

2. Isolated reefs can recoup from major unsettling disturbances, and the advantages of their isolation from hostile anthropogenic pressures can lessen the expenses of the constrained network. Marine protected areas along with fisheries management can possibly expand ecosystem resilience and potentially increase the recuperation of coral reefs after environmental change effects, for example, mass coral blanching.

3. Limiting land-based threats such as nutrients and sedimentation since nutrient enrichment expose the can expand the coral susceptibility to bleaching or even dying and coastal contaminations rich in fertilizers add to acidification of water.

In the long haul, constraining the measure of sea warming and acidification is integral to guaranteeing the viability of coral reefs.