What method can be used to estimate the growth rate of corals?

Using Carbon-14 dating is a robust method for estimating the growth rate of corals because it measures the radioactive decay of carbon isotopes within the coral's calcium carbonate structure. When corals grow, they incorporate carbon from the surrounding seawater into their skeletons. By analyzing the ratio of Carbon-14 to Carbon-12 in coral samples, scientists can determine how long the coral has been growing and, consequently, the rate at which it accumulates mass.

This method is especially effective because it provides a chronological framework that reflects periods of rapid or slow growth, allowing researchers to assess changes over time in response to environmental factors. Coral growth can be influenced by various elements such as water temperature, light availability, and nutrient levels, which can also be studied through Carbon-14 analysis as it captures historical data about the coral's environment during its growth periods.

In contrast, visual counts of coral polyps might give a rough idea of population density but do not provide precise growth rates. Temperature monitoring and light intensity measurements are important for understanding coral health and potential growth conditions, but they do not directly measure the growth rate of corals themselves.