GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change. A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature-as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit-can cause coral to drive out algae. Coral may bleach for other reasons, like extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.

Detailed explanation-2: -Coral bleaching and ocean acidification are two climate-related impacts to coral reefs. One of the most important threats facing coral reefs on a global scale is a big one: climate change. Scientists agree that climate change is real, and this spells real trouble for the world’s coral reefs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bleached corals are likely to have reduced growth rates, decreased reproductive capacity, increased susceptibility to diseases and elevated mortality rates. Changes in coral community composition can occur when more susceptible species are killed by bleaching events.

Detailed explanation-4: -The leading cause of coral bleaching is rising water temperatures.