Growth and development of coral reefs is a delicate yet interesting process. Mainly, these are marine landforms formed by calcareous sediments. Especially, lime secreting polyps are main architect to develop such a stupendous beauty. So, understanding process of coral reefs formation deserve genuine investigation.
Obviously, considering the complexities of reefs formation, reasoned account should take note of each and every constituents making coral reefs ecosystem.
Geographically, shape and form of such landforms determined by various factors including temperature, sunlight, oceanic topography, salinity, etc. Hence, to know the process of coral reefs formation, we have to go much deeper in their own niche.
Factors responsible for the process of Coral reefs formation
As we know that tiny coral polyps are too susceptible to adverse climatic conditions. This, they need much ideal conditions to survive. Therefore, these fragile marine creatures can only thrive in certain locations in the oceanic atmosphere within a narrow range of conditions. These are —
Sea temperature for coral reefs formation
In terms of temperature, Average water temperature is highly essential for the sustainable growth of coral polyps. It should neither be too low nor too high.
Ideally, it should be around twenty degrees is ideal for better growth.
In case of higher or lower temperature, the algae zooxanthellae will abandon symbiotic relationship with coral polyps. And finally, polyps will die.
This is the reason why such marine organisms only survive in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world oceanic.
Depth of the sea water
Though the polyps are benthos, they can’t thrive in deep water. For the photosynthesis process, sunlight is prerequisite condition.
Hence, beyond the 180 feet, the chances of survival are negligible.
Most importantly, these organisms cannot survive even in the absence of adequate water. That’s why these polyps are called too delicate to survive.
3. Ideal Salinity level for coral reefs formation
Technically, coral polyps are instrumental in absorbing calcium from sea water. So, calcium is necessary to make protective calcareous skeleton for themselves.
For this, certain degree of salinity is utmost important. Hence, coral polyps cannot thrive in fresh water nor in mere brackish as well.
You know that sea water salinity is 35 practical salinity units.
So for coral to flourish, it should be between 32 to 40 practical salinity units. Then, it is found in the areas of tropical and sub-tropical, away from riverine drainages.
Sediment free water
Sediments can cause clogging effect on polyps. In the turbidity, Coral might not survive due to clogging. Hence, sediments free oxygenated clear water facilitates the ideal growth of colonies of tiny marine organisms.
Considering these conditions, the location may be somewhere in the tropical or sub-tropical regions, away from riverine drainages. Most strictly, the continental shelf and islands are generally preferred.
Different forms of coral reefs
On the basis of above discussed conditions..
Coral reefs are classified in the following way:-
1. Barrier reefs
You might have heard about “The Great Barrier Reef of Australia.” It is the largest barrier reef of the world. It is formed in the proximity of coast. A comparatively deeper lagoon separates barrier reef from the coast.
2. Fringing reefs
Fringing reef is much closer to the coast compare to barrier. It is also gets separated by lagoon but less deeper.
3. Atoll
Unlike earlier two, it is found in the archipelago regions. These landforms are circular in shape but similar in structure. We know that continental shelf region is rich in marine ecology.
Understanding Ocean acidification
Acidification is a process of altering chemical balance of natural waters by letting dissolved man made non-metal oxides excess in atmosphere. By this, concentration of hydrogen ions converts natural basic state of oceanic waters more acidic. Ecologically, this is going to affect the marine biotic as well as abiotic world irrepairably. So, proper understanding ocean acidification is necessary to learn how to avert fourth coming meance.
Needless to say that cean is a place where first life began facing multiple threats due to rising temperature, acidification, and pollution.
Since, the interconnected life supporting systems we can’t keep isolated from ongoing human induced rampage of environment. Ocean acidification is a single example among many where we created havoc.
Meaning and mechanism of ocean acidification
So far, by the means of IPCC reports, we have realised that the level of carbon dioxide has been on the rise due to unabated pace of combustion of fossil fuels worldwide.
As per the estimate, around 31 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere is absorbed by the means of diffusion in oceanic water. It means that the degree of emissions generated by fossil fuels has direct bearing on the oceanic carbon dioxide.
What is the process of Ocean acidification?
First of all, let’s learn the basic process of acidification. Scientifically, when we place acids and bases in water, the results will be following.
Acids when dissolved in water dissociate excess positively charged hydrogen ions (H+) and bases dissociate with negatively charged hydroxide ions or (OH-)
Excess concentration of (H+) hydrogen ions converts the given solution acides with lower pH value reading. And, reverse would happen in opposite direction.
In atmosphere, there are many non-metal oxides are suspended like carbon dioxide, sulfer dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. When these oxides react with ocean water, forms acid such as carbonic acid.
What would happen if carbonic acid gets dissolved in oceanic water? Like above discussed mechanism, it releases excess amount of hydrogen ( H+) ions as acids are net donor of proton; whereas, bases are net receiver.
Hence, high concentration of hydrogen ions inversely related to the pH value. It means that given waters are more acidic compare to earlier.
Why carbonic acid is threat for marine ecosystem?
Chemically, carbonic acid converts calcium carbonate into calcium bicarbonate which is easily dissolvable in the water. And, we know that coral polyps absorbs calcium to form calcareous skeleton for protection.
In this situation when the degree of carbonic acid is constantly growing, the fragile coral polyps are going to become more and more exposed to the adverse forces of climate. Consequently, fragile coral polyps have to loose theirs natural protective cover and eventually become victims.
Rising sea surface temperature and Coral bleeching
Impacts of sea surface temperature and oceanic acidification are the leading causes for the bleeching of coral reefs. The breeding ground of vibrant aquatic biodiversity, facing huge threat with rising temperature by global warming and climate change.
Scientifically, greater than normal water temperatures can not be tolerated by sensitive coral polyps. As we know that coral are in symbiotic relationship with Zooxanthellae algae. With rising temperature, coral looses this algae resulting coral to turn completely white. And,This phenomenon we call it coral bleaching.
Last words coral reefs formation,
So far, I have explained the pre-condition of coral reefs formation and the resultant types of coral reefs in the tropical and subtropical regions of the oceanic atmosphere.
As per the data collected by the environmental global agencies, around 30 percent of marine species are being sheltered by this carbonated structure, constructed by the fragile tiny polyps. Therefore, the health of oceanic biodiversity largely depends on these master factors.
Rising sea water temperature, pollution, economic activities are going to pose huge threats for coral reefs formation as coral bleaching, degradation of coral structures are on their way.
This is all about the process of coral reefs formation in the oceanic waters.
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