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On the Wall

A vertical wall of coral defines the outer edge of a coral reef in the Red Sea in this 2008 photo. Individual coral colonies on the wall compete for access to sunlight and currents carrying food. WHOI scientist Konrad Hughen studied coral in the Red Sea and is expanding his work to include regional comparisons with reefs in Micronesia, where he and a multi-institution team recently completed a research expedition to sample coral skeletons and assess coral reef health.(Photo courtesy of Konrad Hughen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)