High water temperatures are one of the factors that damage coral reefs

Australian scientists have discovered that undersea heat waves affect coral reefs more than humans have ever known.

In a new study published Aug. 9, Australian scientists say coral reefs are not only affected by bleaching, but higher water temperatures will also have serious consequences.

Coral in the Red Sea, September 5, 2018.(Photo: AFP / VNA).

The research was carried out by scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Newcastle University, Sydney University of Technology, James Cook University and the US National Oceanic and Meteorological Institute (NOAA). and published in Current Biology.

Research shows that while people have long thought that coral bleaching may cause the symbiotic mechanism in coral reefs to be destroyed, but the waves of the ocean beneath the ocean also make the organisms in coral reefs die from heat.

Until now, science has only understood that coral bleaching is when the symbiotic relationship between corals and bacteria is broken and the corals lose their main nutrients and die if This relationship is not restored.

But new research points to another aspect.Heat waves on the ocean floor can have more serious consequences than coral bleaching . At that time, the temperature of the water was too warm, the organisms died and the bones of these organisms were then thrived by bacteria and algae in hot, devastating conditions.

Researchers hope the new discovery will contribute to raising awareness of the threat to coral reefs in the world and making efforts to protect these important natural wonders.

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