Coral Reefs - Weather and climate
Temperature
- Areas have temperatures averaging up to 26 degrees Celsius. These temperatures and clear water are essential for coral growth.
- Reef building is optimal at 20 degrees celcius.
- Contain plants and animals adapted to tropical sun and extreme insolation.
- If the temperature is too low the coral can't produce limestone, while if it is too high the coral will expel the zooxanthellae.
Precipitation
- Heavy summer rains can lead to increased run-off and large amounts of sedimentation from mainland areas. These can suffocate corals and lead to algal blooms.
- Rainfall is fresh water. At times of heavy rainfall freshwater can pool on top of the heavier salt water. Any corals which are exposed at low tide will be exposed to an increase in fresh water and may result in coral deaths.
- Precipitation can increase the river flow of nearby rivers and as a result carry more sediment into the oceans.
Wind
- Wind has played a role in shaping exposed structures through wind erosion.
- During extreme weather events, wind and waves can break corals.
Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones, which are common features in these areas, can have a major impact on reef survival. They can result in heavy rainfall (increased freshwater), increased river flow (sedimentation entering the ocean), increased wind (coral breakage).
Cyclone damage to the Great Barrier Reef
- Areas have temperatures averaging up to 26 degrees Celsius. These temperatures and clear water are essential for coral growth.
- Reef building is optimal at 20 degrees celcius.
- Contain plants and animals adapted to tropical sun and extreme insolation.
- If the temperature is too low the coral can't produce limestone, while if it is too high the coral will expel the zooxanthellae.
Precipitation
- Heavy summer rains can lead to increased run-off and large amounts of sedimentation from mainland areas. These can suffocate corals and lead to algal blooms.
- Rainfall is fresh water. At times of heavy rainfall freshwater can pool on top of the heavier salt water. Any corals which are exposed at low tide will be exposed to an increase in fresh water and may result in coral deaths.
- Precipitation can increase the river flow of nearby rivers and as a result carry more sediment into the oceans.
Wind
- Wind has played a role in shaping exposed structures through wind erosion.
- During extreme weather events, wind and waves can break corals.
Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones, which are common features in these areas, can have a major impact on reef survival. They can result in heavy rainfall (increased freshwater), increased river flow (sedimentation entering the ocean), increased wind (coral breakage).
Cyclone damage to the Great Barrier Reef