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¶ … Coral reefs [...] their status, purpose, and benefit to the environment. Coral reefs serve a vital purpose in the ocean's ecological balance. Reefs provide substantial benefits to the ocean's ecosystem, to their populations, and to man. They provide stunning tourist opportunities, chemicals used in medical research, and protection for vulnerable beaches and islands during storms. Saving the coral reefs of the world is of vital importance, and more effort should be made to save and rebuild reefs that have been damaged by time and man's influence.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are found in most tropical zones of the planet, and they must have an annual water temperature of at least 74 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, and they typically do best in shallow water, where sunlight can reach them (Ekman 4-6). Reefs are extremely beneficial to their environment because of the varied and abundant life forms that populate the reefs. They also provide vital protection for coastlines from destructive wave activity during storms, and they provide thousands of jobs in areas as diverse as tourism and fishing. Coral reefs also provide numerous...
Reefs are mostly made up of calcium coral that secretes limestone, thus building up a base of hard limestone as the coral grows and matures. Many things can damage the reefs, from heavy storms to changes in the ocean's temperature, but more reefs are dying today than ever before because of the influence of man on the ocean and its environments ("Coral Reefs" 11507).
Currently many coral reefs around the world are at risk because of ocean pollution, increases in ocean temperature, fishing, and development, and many experts believe the coral reefs of the world are seriously in danger. One expert notes, "Two-thirds of the world's coral reefs may be dying and, if current conditions continue, 70% of them may be gone by 2050, according to statistics released by the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force" (Chepesiuk). Many corals live close to shore, and they are affected by everything from chemical runoff from streams and rivers, to sewage runoff. For example, corals along the Florida Keys are dying off at an…
References
Chepesiuk, Ron. "Stressed Reefs May Get Relief." Environmental Health Perspectives 108.9 (2000).
"Coral Reefs." The Columbia Encyclopedia . 6th ed. 2000.
Ekman, Sven. Zoogeography of the Sea. Trans. Palmer, Elizabeth. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1953.
Potera, Carol. "Is Sewage Destroying Coral?." Environmental Health Perspectives 111.4 (2003): 207.
Human Effects on Coral Reefs Coral reefs are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, existing for more than 450 million years. A coral reef is a type of biotic reef that develops in tropical waters. Coral reefs are found in all oceans of the world, generally between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn because the reef-building corals are living in this waters. A water temperature of 20
From the point-of-view of the variation and flexibility of the species such cultivated woody crops rank as no more than cornfields. While the tree farms are conveniently be stretched on the private lands, national forests those are considered priceless reservoirs of most of the biological diversity of the nation cannot expand so easily. The commercial logging is considered as the greatest danger for survival of the national forest system.
Promoting Cultural Heritage at the Ayutthaya Elephant Farm in Ayutthaya Thailand [under Development Pending Feedback] The focus of this research study is the Royal Kraal in Ayutthaya, Thailand (hereinafter alternatively "the elephant farm" or "Royal Kraal"). As home to more than 90 retired or rescued elephants, the Royal Kraal in Ayutthaya represents an important resource for the Kingdom of Thailand and elephant conservationists around the world. The importance of the Royal Kraal
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response for Natural Disasters or Terrorists Attacks in Florida Emergency management has been described regarding the phases by using words such as prepare. Mitigate, respond and recover. For this paper, we are going to examine the underlying concepts, variation, limitations, and implications of emergency management phases. Moreover, we are going to look at the various preparedness and response strategies applied by the State of Florida when dealing