Recent research led by the universities of Exeter and Queensland suggests that certain deeper regions of the Great Barrier Reef are currently shielded from the detrimental effects of global warming. However, this protective barrier may diminish if global warming trends persist. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences under the title "Climate Change Impacts on Mesophotic Regions of the Great Barrier Reef," highlights how mesophotic corals at depths of 30–50 meters could be impacted by changing temperatures.
The findings reveal that the separation between warm surface water and cooler deeper waters can safeguard reefs from heat waves at the surface, but this safeguard could be compromised if global warming surpasses 3°C above pre-industrial levels. Lead researcher Dr. Jennifer McWhorter emphasizes that coral reefs serve as a vital indicator of climate change's broader impacts on ecosystems and species. The study predicts that a 3°C increase in global temperatures could elevate mesophotic temperatures above the critical threshold of 30°C, potentially leading to increased coral mortality and reef degradation.
Dr. McWhorter notes that while mesophotic reefs offer some resilience to current climate conditions, their ability to withstand future warming is limited. The research team's projections indicate that under varying greenhouse gas emission scenarios, bottom temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef's mesophotic zones could rise by 0.5–1.7°C by 2050–60. The study underscores the importance of comprehending and addressing the multiple threats faced by coral reefs, beyond just climate change, to preserve their health and biodiversity.
Professor Peter Mumby from the University of Queensland emphasizes the need for further exploration of deeper tropical coral reefs, cautioning against assumptions that their depth alone can shield them from the consequences of escalating global carbon emissions.
Source: phys.org
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