Healthy Elkhorn coral

Healthy Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) near unpopulated Buck Island, U.S. Virgin Islands. Elkhorn coral is one of many important reef-building species that create 3D structure on the seafloor. Coral reef structure provides habitat for marine life and helps break up waves as they approach the coastline.

Credit: Curt Storlazzi, USGS

• Coral reefs struggle to keep up with rising seas, leave coastal communities at risk (20 April 2017)

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