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

Dust damage? This large star coral (Montastrea annularis) in the Caribbean Sea was being attacked by black band disease in 1988 (left) -- and was mostly dead by 1998. Some geologists believe African dust is to blame.