Essays on Coral Reef

Introduction

The Florida area is renowned for its attractive and unique coral reef. The coral reef system that exists in this area serves as the natural habitat to many reef-dwelling species. Some of the well-known species are the Gag Grouper, which are considered very important to the fishermen. However, in the past 40 years, there has been a significant decrease in the coral reef cover in South Florida. It is estimated that over half of the native Oculina Varicosa coral that exists off the Florida coast has been ruined since the early 70’s, and there is very little evidence ...

Impact of climatic change on the Great Barrier Reef

Climatic changes refer to lasting and significant changes in the weather patterns characterized by statistical distribution over a period spanning decades or hundred thousands of years. These changes may encompass extreme weather conditions and may happen due to variations in solar radiation reaching earth, biotic processes, volcanic eruptions, melting of the polar caps and plate tectonics. Certain activities undertaken by humans have also been recognized as contributing to negative climatic changes such as global warming. This climate change has threatened earth's ecosystems. The recent harsh change in the climate such as an increase in temperature takes a great toll ...

Introduction

Florida reef tract is a vast bed or coral sanctuary that covers from Fowey Rocks near Miami to Dry Tortugas. This is known to be the most extensive living coral barrier reef system in Northern America waters. Description of factors that define coral reef and biotic factors found here will be included in this study. This research will be outlined based on the analogy of marine life species and how they affect the near-shore coral communities through bio-manipulation.

About Coral Reef

A-biotic factors that define coral reef are hurricanes, currents, sunlight, and water quality. High winds and large waves of hurricanes can ...

Coral bleaching occurs when there is physiological stress experienced by the coral reefs. The stress is caused by an imbalance of the symbiotic relationship that the corals have with the algae that live within them. These algae are of the genus Symbiodinium. The algae are important to the coral reef since they are a source of nutrition and color. The algae will reduce or all will leave the coral reefs when there are harsh physical conditions. When this occurs, there is no tissue growth and sexual production in the corals. They end up losing color and thus the term ...

Coral Bleaching: Causes, Effects and Response Action Plan Coral bleaching occurs when there is physiological stress which leads to an imbalance of the symbiotic relationship that the corals have with the algae that live in the coral leaves (Rosenberg, Kushmaro, Kramarsky-Winter, Banin and Yossi 1). The algae will reduce or all will leave. The algae are important to the coral reef since they are a source of nutrition and colour. When this occurs, there is no tissue growth and sexual production in the corals. They end up losing colour and thus the term coral bleaching (Douglas, 386). The skeletal ...

Coral reefs refer to a group of organisms that live in water that are attached by a calcium carbonate. They are sponges, crabs, starfish, jellyfish, and other creatures. Coral reefs are composed of tiny animals that stay stagnant at one place. In addition, they are a source of tourism and fisheries. Coral reefs offer many benefits to human beings, as we shall see below. Coral reefs sometimes enlarge until they appear above the water forming a coral island where human beings live. This occurs because coral reefs are mostly found in the shallow water levels. Moreover, they are known ...

Conservation of Coral Reefs on the benthic environment

Coral reef is a natural resource found in the benthic (ocean floor) environment. This great natural occurring resource happens to hold up an extraordinary geological, biological and economic role. Such is the case that coral reefs support a rich diverse assemblage of more than 5000 species (Warner, 2009). In addition, these exceptional resources serve to protect the shorelines of countries from erosion and tropical storms. From what has been discussed, it is obvious that coral reefs play an important role in the well being of the people living on the costal shores. Also, it has been found out that ...

Tropical coral reefs are deep-sea habitat made of calcium carbonate. Corals secrete the calcium carbonate making most of the coral reefs. They occur in warm tropical waters with bountiful sunlight necessary for their survival. Coral reefs are made up of tiny marine creatures made up of few nutrients. Stony corals consisting of polyps make the basis for most of the coral reefs. Polyps belong to group cnidarians in the animal kingdom. This group of animals also consist the jellyfish and anemones. Different from the sea anemones, coral polyps secrete a hard exoskeleton made up of carbonate offering mechanical support ...

Both estuaries and coral reefs play significant roles for the survival of ocean organisms as well as terrestrial lives. Estuaries are semi- enclosed bodies of water which is created when the salt water of the ocean combines with the fresh water from rivers. It is considered to be the transition zone between sea and land. Estuaries serve as a venue for the congregation of fish, birds and other animals to feed, grow or migrate . On the other hand, coral reefs are one of the world's richest ecosystems. Coral reef ecosystems are exceptional, diverse biological systems recognized as an important ...

Abstract

Corals reefs are some of the most important structures that make up marine life. They are a very crucial pillar especially in the Caribbean states through which tourists find every meaning of visiting. Coral reefs collectively, are believed to be among the natural wonders among the creatures of the world. Just like any other living thing, a coral undergoes numerous adverse conditions which threaten its existence. Vulnerability over climate change is a major factor affecting the coral reefs growing rate in the near future. This paper analyzes the environmental challenges that commonwealth state of Bahamas is going through as far as the coral reef decay is concerned.

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The journal article was written to provide an overview of physical and chemical processes affecting changes in coral reef ecosystem. These changes are influenced by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission (Hoegh-Guldberg, Mumby and Hooten 1737) that triggers physical processes involving laws of thermodynamics. The journal article also shows how the basic principle and theory of thermodynamics occur at global scale over a long period of time. Consequently, the physical processes influence the chemical processes that eventually lead to further changes in ocean ecosystem. The article introduces reader to the existing phenomena of warming and acidifying of the seas (Hoegh-Guldberg, Mumby ...

Reefs and shorelines are some of the most instrumental features of natural water bodies. Consequently, they should be preserved and kept clean. Keeping shorelines clean helps preserve the water quality and keep the water in the water bodies clean. The vegetation found in the shorelines filters surface runoff before the runoff can reach the water. Consequently, pollutants such as pesticides, manure, fertilizers, motor fluids and sediments, that may be present in the runoff, are prevented from entering the water. These pollutants can affect the aquatic animals and the water ecosystem in many ways. For instance, deposition of a large ...

Question Forum 4

The online news article I have chosen came from The New York Times, dated December 22, 2014. It is entitled CDC head says fight on Ebola will be long, written by Denise Grady. The geographical scope of the article includes the African region. It is a report on both the possibility and threat of the Ebola spread. The director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC Dr. Thomas R. Frieden is hopeful about preventing the epidemic. Noevertheless, he remains realistic in fighting the virus. Recently, The World Health Organization has accounted 19,340 cases with over ...

Abstract

Introduction The current research relates the relations between the increased number of tourists visiting Hawaii and the increased average annual temperature resulted in negative consequences for local fauna.

Methods

Statistical research in the form of regression and correlation analyses was conducted based on data presented by Hawaii Government (n.p.), Hawaii Tourism Authority (n.p.), and Monahan and Fisichelli (n.p.).

Results

The analyses revealed strong correlation between variables meaning that the increased number of tourists to Hawaii makes negative impact on local environment.

Discussion

As the strong correlation between the number of the tourists and the increase in temperature was revealed, the government of ...

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?

Global warming is the recorded and projected rise in the Earth’s average atmospheric and oceanic temperatures. In the year nineteen eighty six Svante Arrhenius, a Nobel Prize laureate from Sweden, brought to the attention of the world the imminent danger of global warming but nobody paid attention to his concerns. Today the topic of global warming has become a universal concern with everyone taking the threats posed by global warming seriously. The same people, whose activities contributed greatly to this problem, are more than willing to help in dealing with this problem. However, some people are skeptics who ...

Introduction

Plate tectonics is important because it explains the reasons for the deformation of Earth’s surface. Plate Tectonics theory assumes that the Earth’s surface was broken into several small plates and the plates have collided with each other to form the continents. The theory explains that the oceans and continents also move in addition to the tectonic plates. It also explains the global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes. The plate tectonics explains the major features of the earth, such as the continents and oceans, the earthquakes and volcanoes and the mountains and valleys. The theory explained that the ...

` The movie outlines the causes of ocean acidification as simple and easy to remedy in the following outline. Ocean acidification occurs because of burning fossil fuels in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released from these fuels is dissolved in the ocean water forming carbonic acid. The beginning of the industrial revolution saw an increase in industries burning fossil fuels and subsequently led to an increase of carbon dioxide released into the air. The process involved in the acidification of the ocean is a chemical one where, as carbon dioxide is dissolved in the ocean water, it reacts with the ...

Introduction.

As mans impact on this pale blue dot with its complex and fragile natural cycles and ecosystems becomes increasingly more evident and concerning, it is up to the people to take initiative and pride themselves on minimising and hopefully one day in the far future reverse the harm we have caused to our one and only planet. It is due to our ignorance, greed and trust in the powers that be that have brought the climate to where it is today. So as conditions worsen we must hold governments accountable and implement strategies that protect natural systems whilst supporting ...

Many people view an island destination getaway as a well-deserved treat or a dream come true. When one begins to research locations, it can be overwhelming at the number of choices that are available. In an increasingly environmentally conscious world, sustainability practices are being researched along with amenities, location, price, and other factors.

Maldives

There was limited contact between Maldives and the rest of the world until the mid-1900s. The nation sustained itself and exported copra to India and some smoked fish to Sri Lanka. It was not until President Nasir, who was himself an entrepreneur, began his rule in ...

Introduction

Is the fish population close to extinction? This could be addressed by taking a look at the present trend in the marine and aquatic population. The marine and aquatic habitat house more population and species than the terrestrial. The researches have proved, and made it obvious by the fact that water bodies take up 70 percent of the earth surface. Fishes are the most common species in the aquatic and marine habitat. There are various types of fishes, and each species is important in the food chain. In fact, the depletion of one species can create incredible consequence and ...

Introduction

These days, after the rise of industrial revolution, almost every economy is dependent on industrial activities which businesses pursue to not only make profits but create value for the society at large. While pursuing such an activity, the manufacturing concerns are also required to take care of the environment as well. This is because the production activities not only involve the release of dangerous wastes but also involve the emission of carbon dioxide gas which is harmful for society, environment and marine life as a whole resulting in a rise of global warming. Carbon dioxide (having a chemical formula ...

Causation of Climate Change

The world’s climate system is composed of five elements that include hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, cry sphere, and biosphere. It varies naturally with time and is dependent on the incoming and outgoing energy which determine the optimal balance of the earth’s energy. These determinants constitute factors that cause climate variation that result in either warmer or colder states. This result into a phenomenon referred to as climate change. This is a condition, in which, the earth experiences adjustments in its weather that occurs over a period. This essay provides a detailed analysis of the causes, characteristics, and the ...

Tourism

Introduction When a village in a coast al location has to pick the most convenient type of tourism to welcome, tourism can be tricky depending on the needs of that particular village. Unfortunately, there are only two methods available. These are mass tourism and alternative tourism. The most effective strategy is a combination of the two. This writing creates a fictional village referred to as “Katavalo” to showcase and analyze the best strategy to follow. It starts by discussing tourism in general before explaining mass and alternative tourism. It further explains sustainable or responsible tourism. The paper also discusses ...

LESSON 4.2

LESSON 4.3 Fagan’s book makes a unique contribution towards understanding of climate change. He provides unique information on the topic of climate change by helping historians to understand what happened in the period between ten and thirteenth century (Fagan, 2009). According to Fagan, climate has transformed human societies either for good or for worse over the years. The irregular warming that took place between 800 and 1250 had beneficial effects to the north Atlantic and Europe, but resulted to prolonged drought in the large part of America (Fagan, 2009). Fagan was able to use the data that climatologists ...

Summary Article

In the chosen article, Emma Rosenthal, highlights the intrusion of the invasive species, lionfish, into the Pacific and Indian oceans. Lionfish preys on small juvenile fish in the coral reefs and has very few predators, contributing to the population explosion of this rapidly breeding invasive species. The article underscores the problem of invasive species, which has disturbed the coral reef ecosystem and emphasizes on the benefits and potential hazards of human consumption of invasive species. The article assists in understanding the course work related to ecosystem and communities. The invasive species such as lionfish growing in the coral reefs ...

Global Warming Introduction Global warming is the increase in the average global temperatures that is caused by buildup of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the common greenhouse gas; however others like methane, nitrogen oxides are quantitatively measured on the basis of carbon dioxide equivalents. Air pollution is the main source of the greenhouse gases, especially from industrial settings. Therefore, human activities are the primary causes of global warming through industrial growth, transportation, continued reliance on fossil fuels and removal of carbon sinks. Report by Weart indicated that, the atmospheric temperatures will increase by approximately 1.8-4.0 degrees Celsius by ...

A Call to Action

Throughout its history, the Earth has experienced drastic fluctuations in its average surface temperature, with multiple ice ages and periods of natural global warming. However, in recent years, the rate at which the global temperature has increased is unparalleled and cause for concern. The effects and predicted effects of this major and relatively rapid global warming are varied and extensive. Global warming has likely been and will continue to wreak havoc on sea levels, weather patterns, human health, buildings and communities, agriculture and other components of life on Earth as we know it, making global warming the most important ...

Tourism Management 3700

Introduction In Kenya, tourism provides the second largest source of revenue to the national government after agriculture; people travel from all over the world to visit tourist attraction cites. According to the assumptions of most of the Europeans and Americans who have never visited Africa, these assume that there are very many wild animals in the continent that people just mingle with them in the streets. The former part of this assumption is true. Yes, there are very many wild animals in Africa, especially in Kenya, but these wild animals are organized in places where tourists can view and ...

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Australia is one of the As one of the seven wonders of the world. It contains nearly 40% of the coral reefs of the world, whereas the north east seaboard of the continent contains about 2,000 kilometres of reefs. Recent researchers by McNamara and Gibson (2008, p. 97) have established that these reefs account for some of the major tourism attractions in the country. In 2007, the international status of the Great Barrier Reef was confirmed when the World Travel and Tourism Council voted it in as the world’s ...

Many scientists argue that oceanic acidification, which is said to arise from dissolving of artificial carbon dioxide emissions, has serious impacts to both the land and sea life. Besides, scientists equate oceanic acidification to the evils of global warming. However, in this essay, we argue that oceanic acidification does not pose much threat to either land or sea life, and it should not be such a significant environmental concern. Oceanic acidification, from artificial carbon dioxide emissions, is said to cause a decrease in PH level of the ocean, thus interfering with marine life. However, I refute this point because ...