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A huge "raft" of volcanic rock the size of 20,000 football pitches has crossed the Pacific Ocean to Australia – and could bring a wide variety of marine life to the Great Barrier Reef.
The reef recorded an 89% decrease in the number of new corals after mass bleaching – when unusually warm water destroyed much of its colorful algae, food source – in 2016 and 2017.
The sailors had discovered on August 9 the giant volcanic rock sheet produced by an underwater volcano near the island of Tonga in the Pacific, according to NASA's Earth Observatory.
A "raft" of pumice stone the size of Manhattan has crossed the Pacific Ocean in the direction of Australia.
(NASA)
It measured nearly 58 square miles.
A week later, Australian couples Michael Hoult and Larissa Brill reported encountering pumice as they made their way to Fiji when volcanic rocks between the rudder and hull blocked the boat's direction.
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"We entered a total rubble area consisting of pumice stones ranging from marble to the size of a basketball," the couple said. "It was a bit of a mystery, we did not know how deep it was. [or] if we were sailing on a volcano in activity at that time. It almost seemed like there were more going up, bubbling from underneath, "the couple wrote on Facebook.
Since the meeting, the pair has been collaborating with geology professor Scott Bryan, a professor of geology at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), taking samples and photos of the unique rock formation. .
Bryan said marine creatures such as corals, crabs, snails, worms and barnacles could embark on the "raft" as he headed for Australia, calling it "a potential rebuilding mechanism." of the Great Barrier Reef ".
He added: "Based on the events on the pumice rafts that we have been studying for the last 20 years, it will bring new healthy corals and other reef dwellers to the Great Barrier Reef. "
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He also said that his one-way nature could help promote regeneration.
Take a closer look at the volcanic rock plate that is heading towards the Great Barrier Reef.
(NASA)
The scientists said the "raft", which was about 90% under water, was due to head to Australia by seven to twelve months ago.
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"It is the right time. Thus, he will be able to pick up corals and other reef-generating organisms and then bring them to the Great Barrier Reef, "Bryan told the Guardian. "Every piece of pumice is a rafting vehicle. It is a house and a vehicle for marine organisms that attach themselves to the deep ocean to travel to Australia. "
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