The Great Barrier Reef along the North-Eastern Coast of Australia is a place that I am familiar with as I travelled to this destination several years ago. The geography of the Great Barrier Reef is such that it provides a comprehensive underwater ecosystem for thousands of different species of tropical fish as well as coral that make up an area of over 1000 miles squared (Australian Government, 1). Coral are particularly unique to the area as they thrive on photosynthesis from extensive sunlight and the warmer waters in the area. The humidity of the climate in North-Eastern Australia provides an ideal environment for the reef to thrive and grow along the coast.

It is also significant as it is the largest coral reef and its existence is miraculous as no other reefs of its size or magnitude have been able to thrive close to Australia for thousands of years. Additionally, the reef relies on a relatively flat seabed in the Coral Sea and interaction between the Pacific Ocean and the Coral Sea. Water is effectively washed in and out of the reef as both of these seas meet (Australian Government, 3).

The stipulated location and the above geographical concepts are important to me as they ensure that extensive coral life continues to exist in the 21st century. The majority of the species and coral that are found in the area are pre-historic and their ability to survive in such temperamental waters and geographical conditions is constantly reliant on the actions and research of geographers and marine biologists. The beauty of the area is also testimony to the geographical conditions of the location such as the correct climate, the ability for the Coral Sea to self-regulate itself and the interaction between numerous sub species and humans in the area. It is also a heavily controlled environment and now requires human intervention to ensure that it continues to survive despite significant degradation of the area over the last century (GBRMPA, Para 1).

The area is more broadly significant as it is of concern to global marine biologists and citizens. The area is very quickly degrading and various marine species are becoming extinct as a result of global warming and climate change. Inconsiderate human interventions in the area such as boating, fishing and poor waste management are killing the reef and causing the coral to quickly die. This is exemplified through the current discoloration of the area. Normally, the coral is bright colored with an array of orange, blue and red colors, however the majority of the reef is now grey colored, indicating that it is quickly dying out.

Furthermore, thousands of tonnes of fish including whales and sharks are being found along the east coast of Australia and which all originate from the reef (GBRMPA, Para 3). There is a strong requirement for people to stop polluting the reef and for preventative actions to occur such as significant studies of the reef and the introduction of interventions including isolation of certain parts of the reef to allow it to grow back. For example, many of the site seeing companies are now not permitted to venture into more intricate areas of the reef and those where the reef hasn’t died out and is still thriving.

The introduced and studied geographical concepts such as degradation, pollution, climate change, preservation, ecosystems and inter-specie interaction help me to understand the place by identifying known geographical issues associated with it and how over time, these concepts are resulting in the area becoming lifeless and not as beautiful or stunning as it once was. They also help me to understand how the place was initially established and why the coral and thousands of species have been able to interact with each other to establish something so miraculous and rare. The place further exemplifies these concepts via its ability to withstand a number of different climatic conditions and to provide the reef with significant sunlight. Furthermore, the autonomy of the area with respect to the action of the Coral Sea and the ability for all species to co-exist can be attributed to such concepts as sustainable ecosystems and preservation (Australian Government, 4).

Global processes are connected to the Great Barrier Reef as a result of climate change and significant alterations to natural ecosystems on a global basis. The Great Barrier Reef is one of many natural locations on earth that is being subjected to climate change and as a result, is quickly degrading. Global processes in this case, need to be significantly altered in order to preserve what is remaining of the reef and to ensure that it re grows and prospers in the future (Australian Government, 6). It is also global in the sense that its existence is miraculous and depends on a number of well defined conditions such as the climate of the area and the self regulating action of the Coral Sea. Furthermore, global processes such as preservation and climate control are attempting to preserve natural marine life as displayed throughout the Great Barrier Reef.

My role in these broader trends is to raise awareness about the degradation of the reef and most significantly, the need for all citizens on earth to be cognizant of what they do with respect to the environment and how they treat the environment currently and in the future. By researching geographic concepts further, I can extend my knowledge base and develop strategies that can assist nations in combating the detrimental effects of global climate change. The Great Barrier Reef, unfortunately happens to be subjected to the detrimental effects of global climate change such as increasing water temperature and rising global sea levels.