Warming ocean temperatures cause a bleaching event on a coral reef, which becomes degraded. The corals begin to die. In 3–5 sentences, explain what will happen to the sea floor around the coral reef and the coastline near the coral reef.

Answer 1

As the corals die due to bleaching, the structure that provides habitat and protection for marine organisms diminishes, leading to loss of biodiversity in the area. The degradation of the coral reef causes increased sedimentation on the seabed, as the broken coral structures break down and accumulate. This can result in an unstable seafloor environment that affects the organisms that depend on coral reefs for survival. Additionally, the coastline may become more vulnerable to erosion, as coral reefs act as natural barriers that protect shorelines from wave action; their loss can lead to increased coastal erosion and degradation of nearby habitats.