Coral Reef Bleaching

Extreme Heat Bleaches Coral, and Threat Is Seen

By JUSTIN GILLIS

Published: September 20, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/earth/21coral.html?_r=0

 

 

Coral bleaching, like that seen in the Flower Garden Banks off the Texas-Louisiana border, is an indicator of heat stress.

 

Summary:

            Coral bleaching is when the coral shed their color and start to go into survival mode because of all the heat stress. Scientists think that it is the cause of the greenhouse gases that causes this. Also, the coral can be affected easily by heat and with the greenhouse gases, that makes them more vulnerable. The coral is made up of tiny animals called polyps. this animals form a symbiotic, or interdependent, relationship with algae. The polyps give nurtients to the algae while the algae captures carbon dioxide and sunlight to make sugar for the polyps. When bleching occurs, the algae are taken out and thats how the coral looks white becuase the algae give the color for the coral. The last time coral bleaching happened in a big sweep like now was in 1998. That is also the highest recorded temperature in history. Even though coral only take up a fraction of our oceans, they still home a quarter of all marine species. They are even called the under sea rainforest. If the temperatures cool down, then the algae could possibly be reduced and saved. This whole process has been happening from Texas to Thailand, and now it starts to reach southeast Asia and possibly Australia. If it hits Australia, then the Great Barrier Reefs could be in serious danger.

 

Opinion/Reflection:

               I think that coral bleaching is big topic to worry about. Since they home about a quarter of marine species they can effect a lot of other ecosystems/food webs. So other organisms could be affected that don't use the coral like humans. We as humans use marine species as source of food, and if that type of food is affected by the coral, then that is one less food source we have.

 

Questions:

1. How can people prevent coral breaching from happening?

2. Will coral breaching turn into a worldwide problem?

3. Is there another reason for this problem other than greenhouse gases?

4. Do you think that coral breaching is actually a problem we have to worry about?

Lead in Water

Lead in Drinking Water, By the EPA, 2012 March 6, 2012
http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/index.cfm

Picture: This picture shows that not all water is safe in some tap water lead was found. This is harming humans and pets.


Summary: In many households lead or other metal deposits were found in the water. It was from the sinks used in the home. This is very dangerous to humand hurting many people. It can cause mental and physical difficulties as well as poor eye site. And an increase in blood preasure found in some cases. Although it is not very common to happen it starts from the erosion in the sinks. It is a very harmfull substance for humans but its not to common.


Opinion: It is amazing how people are getting hurt from drinking water. You think it is safe but some times it isnt to safe. It is scary to think about. Although it is not that common it can happen to anyone. It really makes you think about what you are drinking.


Questions:
1. What do you think the EPA is doing to stop the lead from coming in to your water?
2. What ideas are being used from companys to help stop the lead?
3. What should people do to help them from getting lead poisen or having lead in there water?