Summary
The world's largest coral colony, as long as a football field, was found and mapped on the Great Barrier Reef by citizen scientists. The discovery was made by Jan Pope and her daughter Sophie Kalkowski-Pope during a reef census. The coral colony measures 364 feet in length and covers an area of 42,765 square feet.
Key Facts
- A mother and daughter duo discovered the largest coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef.
- This coral colony measures 364 feet long, similar to the length of a football field.
- The size of the coral's footprint is approximately 42,765 square feet.
- Researchers used high-resolution imaging and 3D modeling to map the coral.
- Analysis of the site shows it has strong tidal currents but low exposure to cyclonic waves.
- Scientists are studying the site to understand how this coral has managed to grow so large.
- The exact location of the coral is kept secret to protect it.
- The discovery shows that coral reefs respond unevenly to environmental stress.
