The process of "coral bleaching" within the Indian Ocean is most directly linked to:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Anthropogenically induced sea surface temperature increases.
Coral bleaching in the Indian Ocean is most directly linked to anthropogenically induced sea surface temperature increases. Corals live in a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide food and color to the coral. When ocean temperatures rise beyond normal levels due to global warming, corals experience stress and expel these algae.
As a result, the coral turns white, a condition known as coral bleaching. If high temperatures continue for a long period, the corals may die because they lose their primary source of nutrition. Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions are the major causes of rising sea temperatures. Therefore, climate change-driven warming of ocean waters is the main reason behind widespread coral bleaching events in the Indian Ocean.