Our Florida Keys are ancient coral reefs, compare to the current coral reef troubles?

Question

Share your thoughts on the fact that Florida's corals are in dire health. The Keys are ancient reefs, what should we think and feel about this fact?

Answer 1

You're correct that some of the Florida Keys are fossil reefs. These are not uncommon in the geologic record. But, the reason the Keys exist is not because of any environmental damage that killed the coral. It's from changing sea level.

Historically, sea level has been much higher (and lower) than it is today. The reefs that are now the Keys formed when the ocean was higher. When sea level fell, the reefs were exposed and died. The more northern islands are actually sedimentary. The middle ones are formed of oolitic shoals. The southern ones are intact reef bodies.

About 100,000 years ago there was very little ice on the North and South poles (maybe none). That meant most of Florida was underwater. Since that time a gradual cooling (with some ice ages thrown in) led to today's sea level. Current trends have us heading back to a submarine Florida.

Answer 2

In the keys, the coral reefs are living creatures.  The pollution from run off kills the living animal leaving a dead reef. These are white.  So your question really doesn't make any sense since the living reefs are in danger whether they are old, or new.