Home to one of the biggest biodiverse areas on the entire planet. But how did this spectacular reef even begin? Coral reefs form when pre-existing reefs release a burst of larva into the water.
The larva will drift until they hit a hard surface such as submerged rocks, or edges of islands. As the coral develops, it takes the form of one of the three main reef structures; fringing, barrier or atoll.
The Great Barrier Reef is a barrier reef, which borders along the coast, separated from Australia by a lagoon of open water. This reef is around 20 million years old, slowly developing into the largest reef system in existence. Due to its old age, the current reef is not the same as the original one, as sections continuously die and are replaced. Although deep water corals do exist, most reef builders like to be in shallow waters, where sufficient sunlight can penetrate to fuel the photosynthesis of the tiny algae that live inside the coral animals and provide them with essential food.
As sea levels rise and slowly flood coastal plains, coral reefs follow. Over time, the skeletons of dead corals and shells become cemented together, trapping sand and coral rubble, to form massive deposits of the rock limestone.
There are three types of coral reef structures: fringing reefs, which form close to shore; barrier reefs, which are more substantial reef structures located further offshore; and atolls, which are essentially oceanic reefs that form around an island or volcano. Atolls can remain as a ring of coral if the island becomes submerged.
The present form is the result of millennia of sea level changes, continental shifts and layer upon layer of coral growth. The reef in its present gigantic form is fairly young in geological terms.
At the end of the most recent ice age—about 14, years ago—sea level on the coast of Queensland was around metres lower than today. The coastal plain of Queensland was much wider than today. Reefs that had formed during earlier periods of high sea level were high and dry and inland from the coast. It is constantly changing before our eyes and is an ever-growing system. As visitors to the reef, it's important that you don't touch or interfere with corals and marine species on the reef, so they continue their natural life cycle and allow the reef to continue to be healthy and thriving.
To view some popular day and overnight tours that visit the Great Barrier Reef within the Whitsunday region, click the links below. Cruise Whitsunday Reefworld : Outer Reef pontoon that has snorkelling, scuba diving and is family-friendly - 1 day. Cruise Whitsunday Reefsleep: Sleep on the reef in swag accommodation and look forward to fun activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and enjoying the reef!
Kiana : Sailing yacht that visits the Whitsunday Islands and Outer Great Barrier Reef, offering snorkelling and scuba diving - 3 days, 2 nights. You may also opt to fly over and take in this natural wonder in its entirety on a scenic flight -Some even land on Whitehaven Beach, making for a fun-filled day and a unique experience!
Related articles Powerplay 2D2N. Great Barrier Reef coral breeding program sheds hope for reef Scientific coral breeding program aims to aid the Reef's coral population in reg Read More.
0コメント