Environmental scientists are celebrating today, after discovering the first coral reef in more than 120 years.
Researchers at the Schmidt Ocean Institute made a groundbreaking discovery when looking closer at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. They found a huge coral reef that stands more than 500 meters high) which is taller than the Empire State Building in New York).
The reef was discovered earlier in this week thanks to new underwater mapping technology. Scientists then took to the water via underwater drone to confirm the new reef.
You can check out the video below:
“We are surprised and elated by what we have found,” said team leader, Dr. Robin Beaman.
“To not only 3D map the reef in detail, but also visually see this discovery with SuBastian is incredible. This has only been made possible by the commitment of Schmidt Ocean Institute to grant ship time to Australia’s scientists.”
The discovery is an important find, especially in the Great Barrier Reef which is currently being affected by climate change.
The new reef wasn’t the only big scientific discovery to happen this week. Just yesterday, NASA confirmed that there is significantly more water on the moon than previously though (which lends itself positively to future manned-missions).
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