Floods after back-to-back cyclones damage iconic reef

A mudslide caused by Cyclone Jasper has impacted waters at Cedar Bay in Queensland. (HANDOUT/TROPWATER JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY)

The equivalent of 40 Sydney Harbours in dirty water has impacted the Great Barrier Reef after back-to-back tropical cyclones, a scientist has warned.

Freshwater, dirt, pesticides and fertiliser was swept across 700km of the reef after heavy rainfall from cyclones Jasper and Kirrily, which hit north Queensland within weeks.