Levels of dust particles are raised and lower atmospheric temperatures are elevated too.

Also, atmospheric temperatures attributable to climate change have also gone up in recent years, he said.

High water and atmospheric temperatures drained the colour out of the reef in a matter of days.

However, this latest stage of the breakup occurred during the Southern Hemisphere's winter, when atmospheric temperatures are at their lowest.

This is the most important test, as it is the inflammable vapor, evolved at atmospheric temperatures, that causes most accidents.

Atmospheric temperatures have risen by around one degree Celsius since the middle of last century, and coral is uniquely sensitive to fluctuating heat levels.