Oldest coral reef discovered in the Great Barrier Reef
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Australian scientists have discovered the largest and oldest coral reef that is part of the Great Barrier Reef. Coral reefs are made of thin layers of calcium carbonate.
Scientists have found the coral reef on the coast of Goolboodi. This is a part of Palm Island Group in Queensland, Australia. The new coral is 34 metres wide and 17.4 metres tall. Therefore, it is the widest and the sixth tallest coral in the Great Barrier Reef.
Based on the size of the coral, scientists have named it Muga Dhambi. This means “big coral” in the language of the local Manbarra people of Australia.
Scientists said that the coral reef Muga Dhambi has existed between 421 and 438 years before being discovered. They have also found that the newly discovered Muga Dhambi coral reef is in very good health. It has 70% of live coral and 30% is covered in sponges and algae (small, aquatic plants).
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef, located in the Coral Sea, on the coast of Queensland, Australia. Over 1500 different species of fish live in it.
What are coral reefs ?
A coral reef is a large underwater structure made of dead and living corals. Corals (called polyps) are tiny, soft-bodied organisms related to sea anemones and jellyfish. Coral reefs are very important as they house many types of sea creatures and are a source of food for millions. They also protect coastlines from storms.
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