NOAA finds a 2000 year Porites coral giant that could rewrite reef survival rules

Published on 30 April 2026

It’s living proof corals can endure brutal acid

NOAA scientists have identified a massive Porites coral colony in the Maug caldera near the Mariana Islands, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The colony spans about 14,500 square feet and stands out as unusually resilient in acidic volcanic conditions, offering researchers a living record of ocean chemistry and clues for future reef survival.

Researchers found a Porites coral colony older than 2,000 years
The giant colony covers about 14,500 square feet
It thrived in an acidic volcanic environment
NOAA says it may guide how reefs survive future ocean changes

#noaa #ocean acidification #coral reefs #mariana islands #marine science

Read the full story at The Economic Times

This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on The Economic Times

NOAA finds a 2000 year Porites coral giant that could rewrite reef survival rules

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