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Curt Storlazzi - Coral Reefs as National, Natural Infrastructure (AD)

By Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Detailed Description

Coral reefs act like submerged breakwaters by breaking waves and dissipating their energy offshore before they flood coastal properties and communities. This is an enormously valuable function: In 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria alone caused over $265 billion in damage across the nation.

USGS Research Geologist Curt Storlazzi explains how healthy coral reefs in places like the Caribbean and Pacific Islands serve as national, natural infrastructure. Restored reefs not only support critical biodiversity and coastal economies—they also reduce flood risks to coastal communities from storms and sea-level rise.

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Details

Length:
00:02:20

Sources/Usage

Video is Public Domain. Music: "Deep Sea Walk" by Lama House and "Vibrant" by Lofive, used with permission from Epidemic Sound. Additional footage used with permission from Envato Elements.

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