500-meter high coral reef discovered in the Great Barrier Reef

500-meter high coral reef discovered in the Great Barrier Reef

Marine researchers have discovered a huge independent coral reef on the Great Barrier Reef for the first time in 120 years. The reef is over 500 meters high and therefore taller than the Empire State Building in New York.

This was announced by the Schmidt Ocean Institute Foundation on Monday. According to this, the coral reef is 1.5 kilometers wide at its base and 40 meters below the sea surface at its highest point. According to the foundation, seven independent coral reefs have been discovered and measured in the region since the late 18th century.

“This unexpected discovery confirms that we continue to find unknown structures and new species in our oceans,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “Our knowledge of what is in the ocean has long been so limited. Thanks to new technologies that act like our eyes, ears and hands in the depths of the sea, we have the ability to explore like never before. “

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef in the world and extends over an area of ​​more than 344,000 square kilometers, making it larger than Italy. It’s particularly at risk from climate change: The United Nations has warned in the past that 90 percent of all coral in the world could die if global temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees. (aeg / sda / dpa)