Definition

When coral turns white due to loss of the coloured algae that live in the coral. This occurs when coral is under stress, for example due to warming water temperatures.

Further reading
The world’s corals are bleaching. Here’s why and what it means for the ocean’s future - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) [website]
What is coral bleaching? - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [website]
Related

bleached corals; coral bleaching events; coral reef bleaching; coral whitening; mass bleaching events; reef ecosystems; whitening of corals

See also
Climate change
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Marine heatwaves
Ocean acidification
Zooxanthellae
Explore by theme
Challenges
Environmental Changes
Drafted by
Chris Graham
Reviewed by
TBC