Coral Sea

Coral Sea Islands

East Australian Current

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Coral Sea is a marginal sea off the northeast coast of Australia, and is part of the South Pacific Ocean. It is bounded by the Queensland coast to the west, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the east, and Papua New Guinea to the north. The Coral Sea is named for its numerous coral formations, including the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the world's largest coral reef systems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geography

The Coral Sea covers an area of approximately 4,791,000 square kilometers (1,850,000 sq mi). It is characterized by a warm and humid climate, with significant rainfall occurring in the northern regions. The sea's depth varies significantly, with the average depth being around 2,400 meters (7,900 ft). The deepest point is the Coral Sea Basin, which reaches depths of over 9,000 meters (29,500 ft).

Ecology

The Coral Sea is renowned for its diverse and vibrant marine life. It is home to a wide variety of fish, sharks, dolphins, and whales, as well as numerous species of corals and other invertebrates. The Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea, is a hotspot for biodiversity and is home to thousands of marine species.

History

The Coral Sea has been a significant site for naval battles, particularly during World War II. The most notable of these was the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942, which was a major naval engagement between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy. This battle is considered a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Environmental Concerns

The Coral Sea faces several environmental threats, including climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing. Climate change, in particular, poses a significant threat to the coral reefs by causing coral bleaching, which can lead to the death of corals and the decline of marine biodiversity. Efforts are being made to protect the Coral Sea and its ecosystems through marine protected areas and conservation initiatives.

Coral Sea Islands

The Coral Sea also encompasses a group of small, mostly uninhabited tropical islands and reefs known as the Coral Sea Islands. These islands are a territory of Australia and are important for their biodiversity, serving as nesting sites for birds and marine turtles.

See Also

• Pacific Ocean
• Great Barrier Reef
• Marine conservation
• Battle of the Coral Sea