Predict what will happen to the algae and corals if global warming continues.
Answers
Answer:
Climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems. Scientific evidence now clearly indicates that the Earth's atmosphere and ocean are warming, and that these changes are primarily due to greenhouse gases derived from human activities.
As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent. Additionally, carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean from the atmosphere has already begun to reduce calcification rates in reef-building and reef-associated organisms by altering seawater chemistry through decreases in pH. This process is called ocean acidification.
Climate change will affect coral reef ecosystems, through sea level rise, changes to the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and altered ocean circulation patterns. When combined, all of these impacts dramatically alter ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to people around the globe.
Infographic Text
Threats to coral reefs: climate change
Increased greenhouse gases from human activities result in climate change and ocean acidification. Climate change = ocean change. The world's ocean is a massive sink that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2). Although this has slowed global warming, it is also changing ocean chemistry.
Climate change dramatically affects coral reef ecosystems
Contributing factors that increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere include burning fossil fuels for heat and energy, producing some industrial products, raising livestock, fertilizing crops, and deforestation. Climate change leads to:
A warming ocean: causes thermal stress that contributes to coral bleaching and infectious disease.
Sea level rise: may lead to increases in sedimentation for reefs located near land-based sources of sediment. Sedimentation runoff can lead to the smothering of coral.
Changes in storm patterns: leads to stronger and more frequent storms that can cause the destruction of coral reefs.
Changes in precipitation: increased runoff of freshwater, sediment, and land-based pollutants contribute to algal blooms and cause murky water conditions that reduce light.
Altered ocean currents: leads to changes in connectivity and temperature regimes that contribute to lack of food for corals and hampers dispersal of coral larvae.
Ocean acidification (a result of increased CO2): causes a reduction in pH levels which decreases coral growth and structural integrity.
How you can help
Shrink your carbon footprint to reduce greenhouse gases.
Drive less.
Reduce, reuse, or recycle.
Purchase energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs.
Print less. Download more. Use less water.
Do your part to help improve overall coral reef condition.
Reduce the use of lawn and garden chemicals.
DO NOT dump household chemicals in storm drains.
Choose sustainable seafood. Visit FishWatch.gov.
Learn about good reef etiquette and practice it when in the water.
Volunteer for beach and waterway clean ups.
coral reef and pollution infographic
CORAL REEF THREATS
Land-based Pollution
Many serious coral reef ecosystem stressors originate from land-based sources, most notably toxicants, sediments, and nutrients.
coral reef and overfishing infographic
CORAL REEF THREATS
Overfishing
Many coastal and island communities depend on coral reef fisheries, but overfishing can deplete key reef species and damage coral habitat.
Answer:
Sample Response: If global warming continues, corals will continue to expel the algae from their cells to avoid poisonous build up. This will cause corals to die. Without corals, the algae are not protected and cannot perform photosynthesis. This will cause the algae to die as well.
Explanation:
its correct