Cold Temperatures Prove Deadly for Florida's Coral Reefs

Kyle Munzenrieder February 16, 2010 1:12PM

Alien iguanas, orange trees, and your penchant for wearing flip-flops aren't the only casualties of Florida's unusually chilly temperatures. Scientists say the cold waters are also killing Florida's coral reefs at an increased pace.

Speaking to AFP, scientists from the University of Miami and NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries say colder temperatures lead to bleaching of coral, which ultimately kills reefs. In turn, that destroys the habitat of algae, which is the bottom rung for much of the sea's ecosystem.

Large brain and star corals, which can take centuries to grow, have been some of the types most aversely effected.

[AFP: Cold snap killing Florida's Coral Reefs]

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