Study: Corals Thrived 6,000–10,000 Years Ago Amid Much Higher Seas And Warmer Temps
Research shows coral grew far faster when oceans were warmer and up to two meters higher than today.
by Kenneth Richard August 19, 2025, 1:41 PM
New research from Indonesia indicates that from about 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, when the ocean was warmer than today, coral reef growth was rapid, averaging ~6 mm per year. [emphasis, links added]
Sea levels rose rapidly from the Early to Mid-Holocene in this region, as they were up to two meters higher than today 6,000 years ago. The higher sea levels meant there was more room for coral reef growth.
As the ocean cooled and sea levels fell ~2 meters from the Mid-Holocene highstand, coral growth slowed to ~2-3 mm per year.
Today, corals are only growing at rates of ~1 mm per year, as the water depths are too low to accommodate reef expansion.
https://climatechangedispatch.com/study-corals-thrived-higher-sea-levels-temps/
