The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef. It is near the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is made up of nearly 2900 coral reefs and over 600 islands. It is 327,800 km2 big and 2600 km long. It has been listed an important World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest structure made by living things. It can be seen from outer space. The Reefs are threatened. The biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef today is coral bleaching caused by high sea water temperatures as a result of global warming. During 2016, the worst die-off ever recorded occurred, due to seas warming around the Great Barrier Reef. Two-thirds of a 700-km (435 miles) stretch of coral in nine months were killed.
Great Barrier Reef
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Great Barrier Reef?
A: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef located near the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Q: How many coral reefs and islands does the Great Barrier Reef have?
A: The Great Barrier Reef is made up of nearly 2900 coral reefs and over 600 islands.
Q: How big is the Great Barrier Reef?
A: The Great Barrier Reef is 327,800 km2 big and 2600 km long.
Q: Why has the Great Barrier Reef been listed as an important World Heritage Site?
A: The Great Barrier Reef has been listed as an important World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Q: What is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef today?
A: Coral bleaching caused by high sea water temperatures as a result of global warming is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef today.
Q: Has the Great Barrier Reef experienced a die-off due to climate change?
A: Yes, during 2016, the worst die-off ever recorded occurred, due to seas warming around the Great Barrier Reef. Two-thirds of a 700-km (435 miles) stretch of coral in nine months were killed.
Q: Can the Great Barrier Reef be seen from outer space?
A: Yes, the Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space.