The Coral Reef

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an insight into the coral reef, one of the most beautiful, living examples of nature. It discusses how it has taken thousands of years to create the coral reefs that are found worldwide and how these fragile ecosystems are in danger of disappearing unless citizens and the government take steps to preserve these habitats for numerous varieties of marine life. It shows how with the aid of satellites and concerned individuals, these living monuments will be around for thousands more years.

Outline
Introduction
History of the Reefs
What are Corals
How Corals Feed
Photosynthesis
A Fragile Environment
Forming the Reef
Where Coral Forms
Variety of Colonies
Architecture of the Reef
Darwin's Theory
Wildlife of the Reefs
Monitoring the Reefs From Space
Dangers From Algae
Other Dangers
Regrowth
Protection Act of 1999
Survey of Americans
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Scientists are excited about the use of the satellite since it offers views of coral reefs that are hard to reach and observe. In 2000, when a fishing boat was grounded more than 1,000 miles west of the Hawaiian Islands on the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, scientists found it difficult to reach the reef to check on the amount of damage it may have sustained. There are numerous coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean that are so remote, that it would be hard to detect or study a spill or grounding. High-resolution imagery gives scientists a much needed tool to monitor these reefs that were previously inaccessible (Soliday 154)."

More papers on The Coral Reef:

• Analytical Essay # 142017 : "The Coral Reef Environmental Crisis"
• Essay # 63183 : "Coral Reef Decline"
• Essay # 26194 : "America's Coral Reefs"

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