Nan Madol is located near the southern side of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is the only ancient city ever built atop a coral reef. Christopher Pala We zigzag slowly in our skiff around the ...

In ordinary circumstances coral reefs are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, built slowly by animals that appear to be plants. Each coral polyp houses microscopic algae that convert ...

Coral reefs are often described in scientific terms: ecosystems rich in biodiversity, natural storm barriers, and sources of food and income. Yet for many scientists, the path into reef research did ...

" These incredible structures are built by tiny animals called polyps that secrete calcium carbonate to form their hard skeletons. They occur in more than 100 countries and territories, and whilst ...

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that sustain millions of people, yet they face a growing crisis. Rising ocean temperatures are causing coral bleaching, a process where heat disrupts the relationship ...

Coral reefs are often framed as postcard scenery or biodiversity hotspots, but they are also working food factories that the world is quietly running into the ground. As overfishing and climate stress ...