Coral reef
Learn about coral reefs , underwater ecosystems built by colonies of coral polyps. Find out how they form, what species live in them, and what challenges they face from climate change and human activities.
Learn about the diversity, characteristics, benefits, and threats of coral reefs , some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Find resources for education, conservation, and research from NOAA and its partners.
Coral reefs
Learn about the biodiversity, value and vulnerability of coral reefs , the most biodiverse ecosystem in our ocean. Find out how UNEP supports the protection, management and restoration of coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world.
Coral reefs are important ocean habitats and offer a compelling case of the risks of climate change. Reefs provide a large fraction of Earth's biodiversity and have even been called "the rainforests of the seas." Although coral reefs make up less than 1% of Earth's surface, scientists estimate that 25% of all marine species live in and around coral reefs , making them some of the most ...
Coral reef
Coral reef , ridge or hummock formed in shallow ocean areas by algae and the calcareous skeletons of coral polyps and other coelenterates. A coral reef may grow into a permanent coral island. Often called 'rainforests of the sea,' coral reefs are home to a spectacular variety of organisms.
We asked Juan Torres-Pérez, a research scientist and coral reef expert at NASA Ames Research Center, about the science behind coral reefs , and the role they play in both marine ecosystems and human communities. What is the difference between a reef , coral , and a coral reef ? Reef Reefs are ridge-like structures, either natural or artificial.
Basic Information about Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. This web site describes the importance of coral reefs , threats to them, and ongoing efforts to protect them.
Learn how coral reefs support marine life, fisheries, tourism, medicine, and coastal protection. Explore the biology, diversity, and threats of coral reefs with NOAA's tutorial.
Corals and Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. They teem with life, with perhaps one-quarter of all ocean species depending on reefs for food and shelter. This is a remarkable statistic when you consider that reefs cover just a tiny fraction (less than one percent) of the earth's surface and less than two percent of the ocean bottom.
Coral Reefs is a multidisciplinary journal focusing on diverse aspects of coral reef science and management. Official publication of the International Coral Reef Society. Publishes analytical and theoretical papers, full-length reports, reviews, and short notes. Covers broad fields such as reef structure, sedimentology, biogeochemical cycles, and reef management. Encourages the use of ...