Science fact of the day: Hurricanes can impact marine life

As a hurricane grows more powerful, it can generate waves as high as 60 ft., causing warmer surface water to mix with the colder, saltier water below in the process.

These currents can extend up to 300 ft. below the surface and wreak havoc on marine life. Hurricane-generated currents can break up coral reefs entirely or bring rain-infused water near the corals, reducing salt levels and causing catastrophic stress to the corals.

As hurricanes move toward shore, these underwater currents can also cause sand to shift, muddying shallow areas and blocking the sunlight on which corals and many other forms of marine life — including slow-moving fish, turtles, and shellfish — depend for survival.