Commentary: Widespread Incidences of Coral Reef Bleaching in the 1980's, Is there a Connection with Global Warming
Glynn P. 1991. Commentary: Widespread Incidences of Coral Reef Bleaching in the 1980's, Is there a Connection with Global Warming. Miami, FL
Scleractinian corals and their symbiotic dinoflagellate algae build massive, wave resistant coral reefs that are preeminent in shallow tropical seas. This mutualism is especially sensitive to numerous environmental stresses, and has been disrupted frequently in tropical biogeographic regions during the past decade. Increased seawater temperatures have been suggested as the most likely cause of coral reef bleaching. These recent, large scale disturbances coincide with the anticipation of the 'greenhouse effect' and global warming. The observed bleaching events have been suggested as the first indication of global warming, reminiscent of 'the canary in the coal mine'. This article describes recent bleaching events, their geographic extent, possible link with sea warming and other environmental stresses, and some ecological effects. Finally, it offers some speculation on the fate of coral reefs should planet Earth enter a sustained period of warming.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Glynn, Peter
- Date of Issue
- 1991-01-28
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- Disease, Greenhouse Effect, Human Impact, Infection, sickness