Final answer:
Coral reefs cause changes to the Earth's surface through bleaching, acidification of the oceans, and a decline in biodiversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coral reefs cause changes to the Earth's surface through a variety of ways. One of the main changes is the destruction of the hard calcium carbonate skeleton of coral reefs due to a process called bleaching. This occurs when rising temperatures cause the coral to lose their symbiotic partner, the algae, which results in them losing their color.
Another change is the acidification of the oceans. Rising CO₂ changes the pH of the water, which interferes with calcification. This has a negative impact on the growth and survival of coral reefs.
Lastly, the overall decline in coral reefs affects the biodiversity of the surrounding areas. Coral reefs provide habitats for numerous marine species, and their decline can lead to a decrease in the population of animals that rely on coral reefs for food.