Exciting discovery in Australia – 500 meter high coral discovered in the Great Barrier Reef

Marine researchers have discovered a large, independent coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef for the first time in 120 years. The rock is more than 500 meters high – thus taller than the Empire State Building in New York.

This was announced by the Schmidt Ocean Institute Foundation on Monday. Thus, there is a “plate-like” vertical coral reef 130 km from Cape York, the northeastern tip of Australia. It is 1.5 km wide at its base and 40 m below its surface at sea level.

The newly discovered rock contains an “incredible number” of sponges, marine fans and soft corals, indicating that the area is rich in nutrients. According to the researchers, camera footage shows that many reef fish live here, including small reef fish and silver reed and gray reef sharks.

“We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the ocean.”

Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of the Schmidt Ocean Company

According to the foundation, seven independent corals from the late 18th century were previously discovered and measured.

“This unexpected discovery confirms the continued discovery of unknown structures and new creatures in our oceans,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of the Schmidt Ocean Company. “We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the ocean. Thanks to new technologies that work with our eyes, ears and hands in the depths of the ocean, we have the ability to explore as before. “

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest rock in the world and covers an area of ​​more than 344,000 square kilometers – larger than Italy. This is especially at risk from climate change: the United Nations has warned in the past that if global temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees, 90 percent of all corals in the world could die.

S.D.A.

Posted: 10/28/2020, 12:37 pm

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