Newfound Coral Reefs Off Brazilian Coast

Scientists working off the coast of Bahia state in Brazil have discovered a vast region of previously unknown coral reefs. Surprisingly, the newly discovered reefs are not located in remote waters. Instead, they are nestled up against the South Atlantic's largest known coral reef system: the Abrolhos reef system. Despite their proximity to the well-known Abrolhos reefs, the newly discovered reefs are concealed in deeper waters and are therefore quite inaccessible. Scientists relied on side scan sonar (a type of sonar frequently used to create nautical charts) to construct a map of the newfound reefs.