In a previous poll, calcium carbonate was the answer. Now, we will explain what is it.
Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound. It is a common substance found as rock in all parts of the world, and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime, and is usually the principal cause of hard water. It is commonly used medicinally as a calcium supplement or as an antacid, but high consumption can be hazardous.
Thursday, September 11
The Belize Barrier Reef
Once, my father said that evern if one remembers the first, he will not remember the second so well. Same goes for the 3rd and 4th.
The Biggest Reef is the Great Barrier Reef, but what about the second?
*blank stares,puzzled look on faces*
The...Belize Barrier Reef!
It is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize .The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300 km (185 miles) section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is continuous from Cancun on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and continues through to offshore Guatemala, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is Belize's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors, and vital to its fishing industry .
Charles Darwin described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842.
The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world:
70 hard coral species
36 soft coral species
500 species of fish
hundreds of invertebrate species
With 90% of the reef still needing to be researched, it is estimated that only 10% of all species has been discovered .
The Biggest Reef is the Great Barrier Reef, but what about the second?
*blank stares,puzzled look on faces*
The...Belize Barrier Reef!
It is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize .The Belize Barrier Reef is a 300 km (185 miles) section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which is continuous from Cancun on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and continues through to offshore Guatemala, making it the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is Belize's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of its 260,000 visitors, and vital to its fishing industry .
Charles Darwin described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842.
The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, one of the most diverse ecosystems of the world:
70 hard coral species
36 soft coral species
500 species of fish
hundreds of invertebrate species
With 90% of the reef still needing to be researched, it is estimated that only 10% of all species has been discovered .
Coral Restoration
Low voltage electrical currents applied through seawater crystallizes dissolved minerals onto steel structures. The resultant white carbonate (aragonite) is the same mineral that makes up natural coral reefs. Corals rapidly colonize and grow at faster than normal rates onto these coated structures. The change in the environment produced by electrical currents also accelerates formation and growth of both chemical limestone rock and the skeletons of corals and other shell-bearing organisms. Within the vicinity of the anode and cathode is a high pH environment which inhibits the growth of filamentous and fleshy algae, which compete with coral for space. This, and the increased growth rates cease when the mineral accretion process stops
The effects of mineral accretion is, however, only temporary. During the process the settled corals have an increased growth rate, and size, and density, but after the process is complete the corallites are comparable to naturally growing corallites in growth rate and density, and are about the same size or slightly smaller.
The effects of mineral accretion is, however, only temporary. During the process the settled corals have an increased growth rate, and size, and density, but after the process is complete the corallites are comparable to naturally growing corallites in growth rate and density, and are about the same size or slightly smaller.
Wednesday, September 10
Endangered Reefs
As the sun's rays filtered through to the seabed, fish could be seen swimming against white sand and near a coral reef at Okinotorishima island, 1,740 kilometers from Tokyo.
In late March, I accompanied a private research team to the nation's southernmost point, and was treated to a dazzling display of nature.
The coral reef lies in shallow waters and has a perimeter of 11 kilometers. The reef encircles two tiny islands, Kitakojima and Higashikojima, which rise only 10 centimeters above sea level at high tide. But they could be lost forever if the greenhouse effect causes the sea level to rise as scientists predict.
This would have a geopolitical effect on Japan, as Okinotorishima is the center of the country's exclusive economic zone in this part of the world.
Created by the accumulation of calcic coral and forams, single-celled protozoans with shells, over a long period of time, the islands would be imperiled if the coral dies off and the reef can no longer protect them from the pounding waves. As an interim measure, a concrete wall has been built to hold back the surging seas.
When I dived, I could only see a few areas where the coral was still thriving.
A member of the research team--an experienced diver--wondered if the coral had been eaten by starfish or had died off because of changes in the sea temperature.
Scientists expect the sea level to rise up to 88 centimeters over the next 100 years. If this prediction proves correct, Okinotorishima will disappear, and Japan will lose an important part of its EEZ.
Therefore, we must not only protect coral from dying off, but also help foster it and develop technology to create new land.
Tuvalu and Maldives are in the same boat as the two low-lying countries consist of coral atolls.
Taken by Daily Yumuiri Online
In late March, I accompanied a private research team to the nation's southernmost point, and was treated to a dazzling display of nature.
The coral reef lies in shallow waters and has a perimeter of 11 kilometers. The reef encircles two tiny islands, Kitakojima and Higashikojima, which rise only 10 centimeters above sea level at high tide. But they could be lost forever if the greenhouse effect causes the sea level to rise as scientists predict.
This would have a geopolitical effect on Japan, as Okinotorishima is the center of the country's exclusive economic zone in this part of the world.
Created by the accumulation of calcic coral and forams, single-celled protozoans with shells, over a long period of time, the islands would be imperiled if the coral dies off and the reef can no longer protect them from the pounding waves. As an interim measure, a concrete wall has been built to hold back the surging seas.
When I dived, I could only see a few areas where the coral was still thriving.
A member of the research team--an experienced diver--wondered if the coral had been eaten by starfish or had died off because of changes in the sea temperature.
Scientists expect the sea level to rise up to 88 centimeters over the next 100 years. If this prediction proves correct, Okinotorishima will disappear, and Japan will lose an important part of its EEZ.
Therefore, we must not only protect coral from dying off, but also help foster it and develop technology to create new land.
Tuvalu and Maldives are in the same boat as the two low-lying countries consist of coral atolls.
Taken by Daily Yumuiri Online
Endangered Fish caught
Stop endangering reef species!
http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=85431027106
http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=85431027106
Why Care?
Coral reefs benefit a healthy world by providing:
Habitat: Home to more than 1 million diverse aquatic species, including thousands of fish speciesIncome: Billions of dollars and millions of jobs in more than 100 countries around the world Food: For commercial fishing enterprises and for people living near coral reefs, especially on small islands Protection: A natural barrier protecting coastal cities, communities, and beaches Medicine: Potential treatments for many of the world's most prevalent and dangerous illnesses and diseases
Habitat: Home to more than 1 million diverse aquatic species, including thousands of fish speciesIncome: Billions of dollars and millions of jobs in more than 100 countries around the world Food: For commercial fishing enterprises and for people living near coral reefs, especially on small islands Protection: A natural barrier protecting coastal cities, communities, and beaches Medicine: Potential treatments for many of the world's most prevalent and dangerous illnesses and diseases
What do Coral Reefs need to survive?
Sunlight: Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Corals depend on the zooxanthellae (algae) that grow inside of them for oxygen and other things, and since this algae needs sunlight to survive, corals also need sunlight to survive. Corals rarely develop in water deeper than 165 feet (50 meters).
Clear water: Corals need clear water that lets sunlight through to survive; they don't thrive well when the water is opaque. Sediment and plankton can cloud water, which decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the zooxanthellae.
Warm water temperature: Reef-building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different regions can withstand various temperature fluctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures of 68–90° F or 20–32° C.
Clean water: Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediments can settle on coral, blocking out sunlight and smothering coral polyps. Pollution from sewage and fertilizers increase nutrient levels in the water, harming corals. When there are too many nutrients in the water, the ecological balance of the coral community is altered.
Saltwater: Corals need saltwater to survive and require a certain balance in the ratio of salt to water. This is why corals don't live in areas where rivers drain fresh water into the ocean.
Clear water: Corals need clear water that lets sunlight through to survive; they don't thrive well when the water is opaque. Sediment and plankton can cloud water, which decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the zooxanthellae.
Warm water temperature: Reef-building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different regions can withstand various temperature fluctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures of 68–90° F or 20–32° C.
Clean water: Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediments can settle on coral, blocking out sunlight and smothering coral polyps. Pollution from sewage and fertilizers increase nutrient levels in the water, harming corals. When there are too many nutrients in the water, the ecological balance of the coral community is altered.
Saltwater: Corals need saltwater to survive and require a certain balance in the ratio of salt to water. This is why corals don't live in areas where rivers drain fresh water into the ocean.
How old are coral reefs?
How old are coral reefs?
The geological record indicates that ancestors of modern coral reef ecosystems were formed at least 240 million years ago. The coral reefs existing today began growing as early as 50 million years ago. Most established coral reefs are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. Although size sometimes indicates the age of a coral reef, this is not always true. Different species of coral grow at different rates depending on water temperature, oxygen level, amount of turbulence, and availability of food.
The geological record indicates that ancestors of modern coral reef ecosystems were formed at least 240 million years ago. The coral reefs existing today began growing as early as 50 million years ago. Most established coral reefs are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. Although size sometimes indicates the age of a coral reef, this is not always true. Different species of coral grow at different rates depending on water temperature, oxygen level, amount of turbulence, and availability of food.
Threats Cont.
Threats to Coral Reefs
Water Pollution
Scientists have identified pollution as one of the leading causes of coral reef degradation. This threat comes from a variety of sources. For example, oil, gas and pesticide contamination poisons coral and marine life. Reefs are harmed when human, animal waste and/or fertilizer is dumped into the ocean or when river systems carry these pollutants to reef waters. These pollutants increase the level of nitrogen around coral reefs, causing an overgrowth of algae, which smothers reefs by cutting off their sunlight. Trash also kills coral reef animals. Floating trash can cover reefs, blocking off sunlight that polyps need to survive. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. Plastic blocks the turtle's digestive tract, causing them to starve to death. Lost or discarded fishing nets - called "ghost nets" - can snag on reefs and strangle thousands of fish, sea turtles and marine mammals.
Sedimentation
Construction along coasts, inshore construction, mining, logging and farming along coastal rivers can all lead to erosion. As a result, particles end up in the ocean and cover coral reefs. This 'smothers' coral and deprives it of the light it needs to survive. Mangrove trees and seagrasses, which normally act as filters for sediment, are also being rapidly destroyed. This has led to an increase in the amount of sediment reaching coral reefs. Mangrove forests are often cut for firewood or removed to create open beaches. They are also destroyed by prawn harvesters to open up areas to create artificial prawn farms.
Coastal Development
Coastal populations have risen, increasing the pressures on coastal resources. This has led to a multitude of problems for coral reefs. In many areas, developers have constructed piers and other structures directly on top of coral reefs. At one time, big cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Honolulu had thriving coral reefs. Long ago, these reefs were destroyed by human pressures. Now, reefs growing near other coastal communities are experiencing the same coral degradation.
Destructive Fishing Practices
Unfortunately, some current fishing practices are destructive and unsustainable. These include cyanide fishing, overfishing and blast fishing. Although cyanide fishing supplies live reef fish for the tropical aquarium market, most fish caught using this method are sold in restaurants, primarily in Asia, where live fish are prized for their freshness. To catch fish with cyanide, fishers dive down to the reef and squirt cyanide in coral crevices and on the fast-moving fish, to stun the fish making them easy to catch. Although some large tropical fish can metabolize cyanide, smaller fish and other marine animals, such as coral polyps, are poisoned by the chemical cloud produced during this process.
Overfishing is another leading cause for coral reef degradation. Often, too many fish are taken from one reef to sustain a population in that area. Poor fishing practices, such as banging on the reef with sticks (muro-ami), destroy coral formations that normally function as fish habitat. In some instances, people fish with explosives (blast fishing), which blast apart the surrounding coral.
Coral Mining
Mining also destroys coral. Sometimes coral pieces are removed for use as bricks or road-fill. Or, sand and limestone from coral reefs are made into cement for new buildings. But corals aren't only removed from their habitat for construction; they are also sold as souvenirs. Coral curios and jewelery are often sold to tourists and exporters in the markets of developing countries.
Careless Tourism
Tourist resorts that empty their sewage directly into the water surrounding coral reefs contribute to coral reef degradation. Wastes kept in poorly maintained septic tanks can also leak into surrounding ground water, eventually seeping out to the reefs. Careless boating, diving, snorkeling and fishing can also damage coral reefs. Whenever people grab, kick, walk on, or stir up sediment in the reefs, they contribute to coral reef destruction. Corals are also harmed or killed when people drop anchors on them or when people collect coral.
Ocean Warming and Coral Bleaching
Global warming is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses in the atmosphere. These gases act as a blanket, preventing the heat of the sun to escape through our atmosphere. This is primarily due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation and many scientists believe that this is causing sea surface temperatures to rise. Ocean warming is extremely dangerous to coral organisms, which are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Increased water temperatures, which may be linked to global warming, can cause mass coral bleaching. This occurs when coral polyps, stressed by heat or ultraviolet radiation, expel the algae that live within them. These algae, called zooxanthellae (zo-zan-THEL-ee) normally provide the coral with up to 80% of their energy, making zooxanthellae essential for coral survival. The algae are also normally responsible for the color of coral, so when they are expelled, the coral appears white or 'bleached." There is a chance that bleached coral can recover if conditions return to normal. However, in the face of other human-induced pressures, coral have become vulnerable. In many cases, bleached coral colonies die.
Carbon Dioxide
In the past few decades, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air has increased by one-third. This is harmful to corals because increased amounts of carbon dioxide are dissolving into the water, which appears to be dissolving the skeletons of corals. As a result, coral in waters with large amounts of carbon dioxide form weaker skeletons, making them more vulnerable to damage from waves, careless tourists, and destructive fishers.
Ozone Depletion
The destruction of the ozone layer, which accompanies global warming, is caused by the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals in the atmosphere. This presence causes the depletion of protective ozone in the atmosphere and increases the intensity and nature of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's surface. Although corals have a natural sunscreen to protect themselves from the tropical sun, most scientists believe that increased levels of ultraviolet radiation damage coral in shallow areas.
Water Pollution
Scientists have identified pollution as one of the leading causes of coral reef degradation. This threat comes from a variety of sources. For example, oil, gas and pesticide contamination poisons coral and marine life. Reefs are harmed when human, animal waste and/or fertilizer is dumped into the ocean or when river systems carry these pollutants to reef waters. These pollutants increase the level of nitrogen around coral reefs, causing an overgrowth of algae, which smothers reefs by cutting off their sunlight. Trash also kills coral reef animals. Floating trash can cover reefs, blocking off sunlight that polyps need to survive. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. Plastic blocks the turtle's digestive tract, causing them to starve to death. Lost or discarded fishing nets - called "ghost nets" - can snag on reefs and strangle thousands of fish, sea turtles and marine mammals.
Sedimentation
Construction along coasts, inshore construction, mining, logging and farming along coastal rivers can all lead to erosion. As a result, particles end up in the ocean and cover coral reefs. This 'smothers' coral and deprives it of the light it needs to survive. Mangrove trees and seagrasses, which normally act as filters for sediment, are also being rapidly destroyed. This has led to an increase in the amount of sediment reaching coral reefs. Mangrove forests are often cut for firewood or removed to create open beaches. They are also destroyed by prawn harvesters to open up areas to create artificial prawn farms.
Coastal Development
Coastal populations have risen, increasing the pressures on coastal resources. This has led to a multitude of problems for coral reefs. In many areas, developers have constructed piers and other structures directly on top of coral reefs. At one time, big cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Honolulu had thriving coral reefs. Long ago, these reefs were destroyed by human pressures. Now, reefs growing near other coastal communities are experiencing the same coral degradation.
Destructive Fishing Practices
Unfortunately, some current fishing practices are destructive and unsustainable. These include cyanide fishing, overfishing and blast fishing. Although cyanide fishing supplies live reef fish for the tropical aquarium market, most fish caught using this method are sold in restaurants, primarily in Asia, where live fish are prized for their freshness. To catch fish with cyanide, fishers dive down to the reef and squirt cyanide in coral crevices and on the fast-moving fish, to stun the fish making them easy to catch. Although some large tropical fish can metabolize cyanide, smaller fish and other marine animals, such as coral polyps, are poisoned by the chemical cloud produced during this process.
Overfishing is another leading cause for coral reef degradation. Often, too many fish are taken from one reef to sustain a population in that area. Poor fishing practices, such as banging on the reef with sticks (muro-ami), destroy coral formations that normally function as fish habitat. In some instances, people fish with explosives (blast fishing), which blast apart the surrounding coral.
Coral Mining
Mining also destroys coral. Sometimes coral pieces are removed for use as bricks or road-fill. Or, sand and limestone from coral reefs are made into cement for new buildings. But corals aren't only removed from their habitat for construction; they are also sold as souvenirs. Coral curios and jewelery are often sold to tourists and exporters in the markets of developing countries.
Careless Tourism
Tourist resorts that empty their sewage directly into the water surrounding coral reefs contribute to coral reef degradation. Wastes kept in poorly maintained septic tanks can also leak into surrounding ground water, eventually seeping out to the reefs. Careless boating, diving, snorkeling and fishing can also damage coral reefs. Whenever people grab, kick, walk on, or stir up sediment in the reefs, they contribute to coral reef destruction. Corals are also harmed or killed when people drop anchors on them or when people collect coral.
Ocean Warming and Coral Bleaching
Global warming is caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses in the atmosphere. These gases act as a blanket, preventing the heat of the sun to escape through our atmosphere. This is primarily due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation and many scientists believe that this is causing sea surface temperatures to rise. Ocean warming is extremely dangerous to coral organisms, which are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Increased water temperatures, which may be linked to global warming, can cause mass coral bleaching. This occurs when coral polyps, stressed by heat or ultraviolet radiation, expel the algae that live within them. These algae, called zooxanthellae (zo-zan-THEL-ee) normally provide the coral with up to 80% of their energy, making zooxanthellae essential for coral survival. The algae are also normally responsible for the color of coral, so when they are expelled, the coral appears white or 'bleached." There is a chance that bleached coral can recover if conditions return to normal. However, in the face of other human-induced pressures, coral have become vulnerable. In many cases, bleached coral colonies die.
Carbon Dioxide
In the past few decades, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air has increased by one-third. This is harmful to corals because increased amounts of carbon dioxide are dissolving into the water, which appears to be dissolving the skeletons of corals. As a result, coral in waters with large amounts of carbon dioxide form weaker skeletons, making them more vulnerable to damage from waves, careless tourists, and destructive fishers.
Ozone Depletion
The destruction of the ozone layer, which accompanies global warming, is caused by the presence of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals in the atmosphere. This presence causes the depletion of protective ozone in the atmosphere and increases the intensity and nature of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth's surface. Although corals have a natural sunscreen to protect themselves from the tropical sun, most scientists believe that increased levels of ultraviolet radiation damage coral in shallow areas.
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