from NoTricksZone
Kenneth Richard
one new research Refutes claims that coral reefs are at risk from modern environmental changes or rates.
About 8000 to 6000 years ago, the average annual water temperature in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) was 4°C higher than today.
It is about 2 meters above sea level, which is rising at a rate of about 6 to 7 meters per thousand years (6-7 mm/year).
The early Holocene climate was also wetter than today, causing coastal areas of the Great Barrier Reef to become increasingly submerged, resulting in higher runoff rates from land (the water was turbid and nutrient-rich).
Modern scientists (and popularized by their recent penchant for alarmist narratives) believe that coral reefs cannot withstand these environmental conditions well – nor can they withstand such rapid changes.
However, new data suggests that reef growth was “extensive and active” during this period, which is also characteristic of modern reef growth in the region.
“[W]During the Holocene of 8 to 7 ka, the water was turbid and nutrient concentrations were high, but coral reef growth was vigorous and active. The same is true for modern corals in offshore environments, which can display very high coverage.
Image source: Sanborn et al., 2024
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