Australian scientists said they had discovered a sprawling ancient reef in chilly southern waters which could hold new hope for the future of coral as sea temperatures rise. Researchers used high-resolution sonar and sophisticated drilling to find the fossil reef near a living coral site at Lord Howe Island, 600 kilometers off southeastern Australia-the world's southernmost reef. Around 20 times the size of the modern reef, the fossil site flourished between 9,000 and 7,000 years ago, before perishing, it is thought, due to an abrupt rise in sea level linked to melting of the Antarctic ice sheet.

Ancient reef raises hopes for corals seas warm. (2010, September 6). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A22.