Welcome to "The
Coral Kingdom."
For
those who have had the good fortune to view our planet from space,
they are struck by the overwhelming impression that ours is a blue
planet. Indeed over 70% of our planet is covered by water giving our
home this blue aura. On closer inspection, patches of emerald and
aquamarine become apparent in the larger expanse of deep blue. These
patches are in the shallow waters of the tropics, fringing islands
and
the edges of continents; or, in turn, encircled by the ring-like islands
that we call atolls.
Coming ever closer to Earth and approaching these
oceanic jewels, a
border of white is perceived which is revealed to be surf crashing
against what appears to be a solid bastion of rock. Leaving our vantage
point from above and diving into the sea, we discover that what we
think
is solid rock is in fact a living mass - a kaleidoscopic vision of
color, shape, and life that is a coral reef.
Coral reefs are among the most amazing of ecosystems
on our planet.
Although found as solitary forms through 400 million years of geological
history, the fossil record shows that corals evolved into modern
reef-building organisms within the past 25 million years. Over those
millions of years, coral reefs have evolved into the rainforests of
the
sea –a place of great biological diversity that is home to thousands
of
species that are found no where else. In fact, coral reefs are the
most
complex, species-rich, and productive of marine ecosystems.
The scientific study of coral reefs has only begun
within the past 200
years. Charles Darwin, James Dwight Dana, and Louis Agassiz were all
pioneers in the study of coral reefs. Initial studies were concerned
with the mode of formation of coral reefs. Darwin, who sailed with
HMS
BEAGLE and Dana who accompanied the United States exploring expedition
each made notable contributions in this arena. Darwin’s model
of
fringing reef on young high islands progressing to older atolls fringing
coral lagoons and Dana’s independently arrived at concept of
similar age
progression from young to old followed by the probability of sunken
flat-topped seamounts are as valid today as they were over 150 years
ago. Louis Agassiz conducted his first studies of coral reefs in 1851
when he was commissioned by the Coast Survey to study the Florida
Reefs
as related to navigation of the Florida Straits.
Today,
coral reefs, both modern and fossil, are studied as indicators of
global change; as multi-faceted ecosytems with a plethora of species
that could provide cures for forms of cancer and other ills afflicting
mankind; and as highly endangered ecosystems that suffer from bleaching
episodes related to warming of the global ocean, massive invasions
of predatory species such as crown of thorns starfish, pollution from
chemicals and sediment laden waters, and destructive fishing practices.
Because of their fragility, coral reefs have been compared to the
proverbial “canary in the mine shaft” for the world ocean.
Let us hope that we are able to preserve the beautiful creatures of
the coral reefs and their wonderful ecosystems for future generations.
Besides
the many wonderful photographs found here that will help you learn
more about coral reefs in this album, visit the following sites to
learn more about what is being done to preserve and protect these
fragile environments.
