The Wire

Heatwaves have threatened the coral reefs revealing that the skeletons of coral begin to decay due to immense heat, risking the habitat of many marine animals. New research has shown that even an increase of 0.5 degrees Celsius can impact the coral mortality. Severe heatwaves not only trigger coral bleachings but heat-induced mortality events. 

Researchers have discovered that the coral skeletons become immediately overgrown by rapid growing algae and bacteria. The heatwave warms the waters so much that the coral dies and its underlying skeleton remains.