SNC1D Science Journal

did you know that 25% of marine life gets affected when a coral reef dies. its important to know some factors that affects the reef so we know how to prevent it from dying.

Since the coral reef is located in the ocean there are plenty of limiting factors that can affect not just the reef but everything around it.

3 important limiting factors that I found include: depth, light, ocean waves

Depth

the depth is important for a reef ecosystem because corals prefer more shallow waters where there is lots of sunlight, that is very good for the algae. It is possible to find corals at depths of up to 300 feet (91 meters), but reef-building coral grow poorly below 60–90 feet (18–27 meters).

Light

Light is another important factor that is needed for a healthy coral, if the coral does not get the light it needs it could potentially die.

Light is needed for corals because it gets energy through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is needed for all corals so they can spread their energy mainly to bulid its skeleton

Ocean Waves

The waves in the ocean cause some benefits and some non-beneficial things towards the corals

The benefit of waves is so the coral can get its food (zooplankton) . the waves travel the food across the ocean to the reefs, which is very good so the corals can survive.

the non-beneficial thing about waves is that, coral reefs are supposed protect the shore lines from any storm(s). so if the waves are too big that to leave a big impact on the reefs.