Scientists: death of corals will lead to an increase of the waves in the ocean

Techno 6 March, 2018

2018-03-06 09:54

Scientists: death of corals will lead to an increase of the waves in the ocean
If global warming continues at the same pace, structure, coral reefs will shrink and weaken, which would reduce the protection of the coastline from high waves.

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The complex structure of the coral reef with its countless branches and hollows greatly slows the flow of water and provides a natural and reliable barrier that protects the coastline from waves. However, prolonged bleaching and death of coral reefs threaten to leave the shore without this protection. This will cause the end of the century in some areas, the height of the waves of the ocean, reach the coast, will double. This researchers write in the article, published in the journal Science Advances, reports Rus.Media.

Coral reefs – not the richest and most complex ecosystems on the planet are dying everywhere. Warming and increased acidification of ocean waters will cause the disappearance of algae discoloring the bright colors of the corals and causing their death. Scientists have been sounding the alarm and for rescue the Great Barrier reef even offers to hold a massive “transplant” a more sustainable polyps. The consequences of the death of corals can be very disappointing.

New aspects of this process revealed Daniel Harris (Daniel Harris) and his colleagues. They note that in itself is indented, the complex structure of the reef creates significant friction for the water. It dissipates vibrational energy and reduces the height of the waves that reach the land. Stresswave corals do not form such complex and large reef and do not form such a spectacular barrier against waves.

Scientists have modeled the consequences of their deaths for four regions of the ocean in French Polynesia, while the rich corals and different typical energy of the waves. The work showed that even not death but a mere reduction of the size and complexity of the structure of the reef causes the waves passing over it and through it, will not decrease as much as it is today. If warming continues at the expected scenario, the height of the waves that reach the shore in 2100 is 2.4 times more.