Record coral kill off on Great Barrier ReefSYDNEY--A mass bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef this year killed more coral than ever before, scientists said Tuesday, sounding the alarm over the delicate ecosystem. The 2,300-kilometer (1,400-mile) long reef — the world's biggest — suffered its most severe bleaching in recorded history, due to warming sea temperatures during March and April, with the northern third bearing the brunt. "Most of the losses in 2016 have occurred in the northern, most-pristine part of the Great Barrier Reef," said Terry Hughes, head of the Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University. Fossil FuelsBleaching occurs when abnormal environmental conditions, such as warmer sea temperatures, cause corals to expel tiny photosynthetic algae, draining them of their color. However, coral can recover if the water temperature drops and the algae are able to recolonize them.

Source: The China Post November 30, 2016 18:16 UTC