A recent expedition by National Geographic has led to the discovery of an enormous coral reef in the Solomon Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. This coral, estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old, measures 34 meters wide and 32 meters long, making it almost the size of a cathedral. Its massive size allows it to be visible from space, sparking curiosity among scientists and the general public alike.
The coral, identified as the largest in the world, is three times the size of the previous record holder, Big Momma. It has a distinctive brown color with splashes of bright yellow, blue, and red, and is covered in waves that reflect the surface of the ocean. The organism is formed by a network of coral polyps, tiny and individual creatures, and has a circle of 183 meters (600 feet).
Age and Survival
Scientists estimate that the coral is between 300 and 500 years old, based on the size of the polyps. To determine its exact age, a sample of the coral core will need to be taken and the growth rings counted, similar to how the age of a tree is determined. The coral has survived centuries of changes in climatic and oceanographic conditions, making it a potential candidate for repopulating areas where coral has been decimated by extreme heat events and coral bleaching.
Threats to the Coral
Despite its remote location, the coral is not safe from global warming and other human threats. Pollution and display can be toxic to corals, and ocean warming is causing coral bleaching around the world. Up to 77% of the world’s corals will be exposed to temperatures that will cause them to bleach. The world has already crossed the “death barrier” of +1.5°C (2.7°F) heating above the pre-industrial average temperature, beyond which the risk of irreversible and extreme climate change is running, according to scientists.
Importance of Conservation
The discovery of this massive coral highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystems. The Solomon Islands, where the coral was discovered, are in the first line of the risks posed by global warming and are classified as the second nation with the greatest risk of natural disasters. Scientists fear that the world’s reefs have reached a point of no return, making it essential to take immediate action to protect these vital ecosystems.