Scientists Solve Mystery Of 'Halos' Around Coral Reefs
Last edited Sun Apr 28, 2019, 12:13 AM - Edit history (1)
26 April 2019, 9:28 am EDT By Naia Carlos Tech Times
Reef halos have long puzzled scientists, but new research reveals more information about
the phenomenon. Scientists found that they're actually a good indication of the health of the
reef ecosystem. ( Pixabay )
Throughout the world, patches of coral reef are seen surrounded by "halos" of bare sand that could stretch from hundreds to thousands of square meters.
Beyond these halos are dense fields of seagrass or algae, which makes the presence of the bald rings even stranger. It has long been observed, but until now, scientists have not been able to make sense of it.
According to the University of Hawai'i News, scientists generally attribute reef halos to marine life who live in the patches of coral and venture out to eat the surrounding seagrass and algae.
New research detailed in two published studies led by Elizabeth Madin of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology sheds more light on this mysterious phenomenon that's visible from space. Ultimately, these coral reef halos could even provide scientists a new way to monitor the health of the reef and marine life from the cosmos.
More:
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/242360/20190426/scientists-solve-mystery-of-halos-around-coral-reefs.htm
