What is the Largest Living Structure on Earth?

May 23, 2011

Do you know?  I couldn't recall, but do remember now hearing this before. It's not the Giant Sequoias, which are the largest trees on earth in terms of volume at greater than 42,500 cubic feet!  It's not the Blue Whale that can weigh as much as 180 metric tons and is the largest animal to ever have lived on Earth.  The clue is in the word structure. 

Byrite Rose and Fossilized Coral Agate pendant by Honey from the Bee

Coral Garden (SOLD)

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth, stretching more than 1,553 miles (2,500 meters.)  It is the only living structure that can be seen from space.  Sadly it is in peril due to global warming, pesticide use, and sedimentation.  The coral is dying quite fast in a process called bleaching, but right now scientists are seeing some hope that it can heal by controlling pesticide use and cleaning up the waters by educating fishermen, recreational boaters, scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts.  Knowledge as simple as making sure plastic bags do not blow off the boat and bringing all garbage back to shore is making a difference.  Only time will tell how much the reef can withstand the continuing warming and acidification of our oceans. 

Red Fossilized Coral Agate on chain earrings by Honey from the Bee

Falling  - Fossilized coral agate on GF chain

In the early '90s, my husband and I went on a trip to Australia and included a snorkeling day trip to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast from Cannes.  It was incredible the variety of colorful fish and coral we saw.  This isn't an original thought, but it really was like swimming in an aquarium.  The water felt perfect with the warm air so that you could stay out for a long time.  Even thoughts of the Great White didn't keep me from splashing around, although believe me I did scan the depths quite frequently! 

Red Coral Agate with filigree earrings by Honey from the Bee

Fan the Flames (SOLD)

I like working with Fossilized Coral Agate.  It's not only the beautiful floral like patterns that are achieved when cross-cutting across the coral formations, but also the many colors and the fact that it's a gift from the sea.  A very ancient sea, but nature's creation nonetheless. Fossilized Coral Agate is found in the rugged mountains of the western Indonesian Islands like Java and Sumatra!  They're ancient reefs that were pushed up out of the sea along the Java Trench where two tectonic plate have been crushing against each other for millennia.  Pretty cool, huh?! 

Fossilized coral agate, lampwork and amethyst bracelet by Honey from the Bee

Velvet Brown  (SOLD) - Fossilized coral agate, lampwork and amethyst bracelet

This post is part of a Blog Carnival hosted by the EtsyBloggers Team.  The theme this week is "down under."  (Down Under referring to Australia and New Zealand.)  To read more posts related to this theme check out our team blog.