Giant Slab of Great Barrier Reef Teeters on the Edge

Australia’s Institute of Marine Science recently received data revealing a section of the Great Barrier Reef that is in danger of collapse. Perched on top of a continental shelf, the slab measuring at around one-cubic kilometer was discovered while researchers were mapping the sea floor. The remains of an ancient underwater landslide is theorized to be a potential tsunami creator in the event it slides off into the ocean. Geologist Robin Beaman: “Undersea landslides are a well understood geological process but we didn’t know there were any on the Barrier Reef.”  “We found this one large block that stood out. It is sitting on top of a sub-marine canyon, cutting into the slopes and it is in the preliminary stage of collapse.” Robin and his team are uncertain when, or even if, this slab could slide off its shelf but assure us: “..it remains stable under current conditions.” Adding to problems Australia and the GBR are encountering these findings show how fragile our reef ecosystems truly are. Read more here!