Living Cold Water Coral Reef Discovered on Greenland Coast

[n2doc]

Although corals are known to exist in Greenland, this is the first discovery of a cold water reef. It was found by a Canadian team of researchers, who accidentally came across the spot while collecting water samples.

Former by cold water corals with limestone skeletons, the reef is situated south of Lvittuut in the country. It is approximately 900 metres below the surface and little is known about the area, as the strong currents make it difficult to reach.

Researchers retrieving their measuring instruments from the water noticed broken pieces of broken coral when examining damage inflicted upon the equipment.

Speaking to Sciencedaily.com, Helle Jørgensbye, a PhD student, revealed: "At first the researchers were swearing and cursing at the smashed equipment and were just about to throw the pieces of coral back into the sea, when luckily they realised what they were holding."

more

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/living-cold-water-coral-reef-discovered-greenland-coast-1434351

[Scuba]

1. 900 meters down would be a very, very deep spot to find a coral reef.

http://www.defenders.org/coral-reef/basic-facts

Coral reefs are found all around the world in tropical and subtropical oceans. They are usually found in shallow areas at a depth of less than 150 feet. However, some coral reefs extend even deeper, up to about 450 feet deep.

[n2doc]

2. Cold water reefs can be very deep

They are very different from surface tropical reefs.