Pacific reef growth can match rising sea

Washington: The coral reefs that have protected Pacific islanders from storm waves for thousands of years could grow rapidly enough to keep up with escalating sea levels if ocean temperatures do not rise too quickly, says a new study. Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. The study provides the first evidence that well-managed reefs will be able to keep up with sea-level rise through vertical growth. But that can happen only if carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere stay below 670 parts-per million (ppm).