3 October, 2021
In a world-first, researchers have completed a comprehensive* online map of planet Earth’s coral reefs by using more than two million satellite images from across the globe.
The Allen Coral Atlas, named after late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, will act as a reference for reef conservation*, marine planning and coral science as researchers try to save these fragile* ecosystems* that are being lost to climate change.
The group announced completion of the atlas Wednesday and said it is the first global, high-resolution map of its kind. It gives users the ability to see detailed information about local reefs, including different types of submarine* structure like sand, rocks, seagrass and, of course, coral.
