But not efficiently. Scientists think the polyps absorb bicarbonate and calcium ions and deposit calcium carbonate, but they're not really sure of the bio/chemi

But not efficiently. Scientists think the polyps absorb bicarbonate and calcium ions and deposit calcium carbonate, but they're not really sure of the bio/chemical process involved. Regardless, a polyp adds about 1mm to 1cm to the reef a year. You can get that right now just by throwing a shovel at the ground where I live.