The Answer Is Blowin' in the Wind
Are Dust Gusts Killing the Corals?

Satellite view of dust storm.

Star Coral damage 1988 vs. 1998

Dryhorn and elkhorn growth in 1961 vs. 1971

Site revisited in 1988 vs. 1998

Diadema die off

Airborne dust (brown haze) over the Caribbean Sea. This dust originated in the Sahara Desert of western Africa, where it was lifted and carried off the coast by strong winds.