Coral Bleaching and Climate Change
Marine Biology & Oceanography
1998
Discoverers: Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Overview
First comprehensive prediction that rising ocean temperatures would cause mass coral bleaching events, threatening reef ecosystems worldwide.
Significance
Established the link between climate change and reef degradation, driving international coral conservation efforts.
Methodology
Combining sea surface temperature data with coral physiology models to predict bleaching thresholds under climate change scenarios.
Impact
- Predicted mass coral bleaching events
- Linked climate change to reef decline
- Influenced marine conservation policy