Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's story of Cyclones
Mission Beach, Queensland, 21 June 2007Climate change will have direct impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, including through increased severity of storms and cyclones and ocean acidification
The ecological consequences of these changes will be serious, and some have already been observed. As the oceans become slightly more acidic the ability of corals to form their calcium carbonate skeleton will be reduced. Weakened skeletons will also make corals more susceptible to storm damage.
Other habitats, including seagrass beds, are also at risk. Seagrass in the intertidal zone will face more extreme temperatures, powerful waves and river run-off following intense storms.
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