Researchers from Texas A&M are investigating the effects Hurricane Harvey floodwater.
Scientist estimate that more than 13 trillion gallons of floodwaters flowed into the Gulf of Mexico following the storm.
The primary focus of the group of scientist is to investigate its impact on the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
The team recently returned from a 6-day-trip where salinity-sensitive coral reefs may be threatened by the rush of freshwater.
Although salinity levels appear to be normal, ongoing research was deemed necessary.
The team plans to compare the data collected in 2016 to the data recently collected on their trip to assess the health of the reef now.
“When people look at the impact of hurricanes on coral reefs, they often look at physical damage or breakage of reef frameworks by waves and storm surge,” Correa, a member of the traveling group of scientist said.
“Much less is known about the impacts of freshwater influx from the precipitation associated with a hurricane.”
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