Sea levels are rising at an estimated rate of 0.14 inches (3.5 millimeters) per year since the early 1990s [11]. Around the world homes and businesses are being swallowed up by the ever expanding sea. According to “The Raw Story” more than 1,700 American cities and towns – including Boston, New York, and Miami – will have significant populations living below the high-water mark by the end of this century. Not only are humans being affected by the drastic change in sea levels but also land and sea animals. Coral reefs are critical to the survival of fish, sponges, sea horses, and varied crustaceans, which are only a few of the thousands of creatures that rely on coral reefs for their survival. Coral reefs help filter water and take carbon dioxide out of the ocean, thereby reducing greenhouse gasses. Coral reefs are extremely fragile, and are at a large risk when it comes to the rise in sea level. If corals are unable to obtain enough light, due to either increased floating sediment, or a dramatic increase in water depth, they stop growing and eventually die. Without these coral reefs thousands of species will be left without a home [12].
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
SPC
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“We know we’re going to have sea rise. This is literally a one-way street now. The only thing we’re discussing now is how fast, it’s not whether anymore, and then eventually how much.”
Dr. Harold Wanless, chairman of the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Miami
CoralBots
Dead or Dying Coral
11. "Sea Level Rise -- National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2014. <http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-sea-level-rise/>.
12. "Coral Reefs & Sea Level Rise." Duke University. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2014.
<http://biology.duke.edu/bio217/2001/sealevel/page2.html>
Background by Geaorge Style
by R. Seid