Scientists find huge coral reef - 9th November 2020

Scientists have discovered a very big coral reef. It is 500 metres high and near Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The reef was found by scientists who were mapping the ocean floor with an underwater robot. The scientists discovered the reef through the robot’s camera. The discovery was also shown on the internet. They said the reef looks like a knife. It is 1.5 kilometres wide and taller than the Empire State Building in New York.

The Great Barrier Reef is the biggest coral reef system in the world. It is made up of nearly 3,000 coral reefs. It is home to over 1,500 types of fish. In 1981, it was made a World Heritage site. Scientists say it is very important for the world.

But climate change is damaging the Great Barrier Reef. The seas are getting warmer, which is killing the corals. Scientists say that the reef has lost over half of its corals since 1995.

The last time a big reef was found in the area was in the 1800s. But there are other tall reefs close by. Lots of sea animals live in the area.