Deep-Sea Coral Bands

This deep-sea coral specimen shows the bands that help marine scientists learn how ocean conditions changed over time.
(Jess Adkins, California Institute of Technology, and Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

This specimen of the deep-sea coral Desmophyllum dianthus shows the visible bands that help marine scientists learn how ocean conditions changed over time. By looking at the thickness of each band, scientists can estimate how much the corals grew during a given time period. This information sheds light on what ocean conditions existed during that period. Learn more in the multimedia feature "Coral Gardens of the Deep Sea."

Tags: Corals