Record-breaking coral discovered in the Pacific Ocean from space
In the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, the largest coral in the world has been discovered. It is three times larger than the previous record holder and so enormous that it can even be seen from space. According to scientists, it is at least 300 years old.
The coral was discovered during a scientific expedition in October, organised under the National Geographic Pristine Seas programme, aimed at assessing the state of the oceans around the Solomon Islands.
According to Pristine Seas, the coral is three times larger than the previous record holder from American Samoa. It measures 34 metres wide, 32 metres long, and 5.5 metres high. Unlike coral reefs, which form numerous colonies, this coral is a single, continuously growing organism that has been expanding for centuries.
Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly 1bn little polyps, pulsing with life and colour – said Enric Sala, National Geographic explorer and founder of Pristine Seas, in a conversation with CNN.
The coral is visible from space
From a bird's eye view, the coral resembles a massive, wrinkled brown rock formation, so much so that some expedition members initially mistook it for a shipwreck. By analysing satellite images, scientists determined that its size is so enormous that it can be seen from space.
As CNN reports, its enormous size posed difficulties for scientists. Their measuring tapes proved too short to encompass the entire structure. For this reason, they had to work in pairs, stretching the tape between them. When the tape reached its end, one person stayed in place while the other returned to reel in the tape and continued the measurement.
How is coral formed?
Coral shelters many marine creatures, such as fish, crabs, and shrimp. It also supports fishing and serves as a natural barrier against storms and rising sea levels.
Up close, however, the coral reveals its extraordinary complexity. It is made up of a network of polyps, which are tiny organisms that over hundreds of years have collectively formed this gigantic organism. The whole structure is enriched by intense colours—purple, yellow, blue, and red spots that enliven the brown structure of the coral.
For scientists, this is a career high point. - Making a discovery of this significance is the ultimate dream - said Paul Rose, leader of the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, in a conversation with CNN.
