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Formation
Formation
Reefs are underwater structures formed through several miniature coral polyps. Reefs are formed in diverse way, composing of barrier, atoll, and fringing. The most common is barrier reefs. The formation of barrier reefs begins when corals forms. Coral form when coral larvae attaches to rocks or soil, frequently towards costs. The larvae turns into polyps, which then emits calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate then creates a layer, for more polyps to attach themselves on top. Over time multiple layers form, producing a coral structure. Barrier reefs form around islands. More polyps appear, filling up the area, around the coast. The polyps structure forms a ring around the island’s coastline.
Other formations methods
Other formations methods
Atoll Reefs - Atoll reefs are formed when an island completely or nearly sinks. Typically, in the middle of the ocean, caused due to rising sea levels. Atoll reefs are formed near pre-existing structures, like a volcano.
Fringing Reefs - Similar to Barrier reefs, the formation of fringing reefs begins, when corals attach to rocks, under the ocean surface along the edges of islands.
Diagrams
Diagrams
Fringing Reef
Barrier Reef
Atoll Reef
Examples of Reefs
Examples of Reefs
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is located in the north-eastern coast of Australia, it is the biggest reef within the world. Covering 348,700 km² area and holding a width of 60 to 250 kilometres. The inshore depth stands at 35 metres, whilst the outer depth is 2000 metres. The Great Barrier Reef is a massive reef ecosystem holding approximately 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 150 Mangrove islands.
New Caledonia Barrier Reef
New Caledonia Barrier Reef
The New Caledonia Barrier Reef, is the third largest reef, and is located in the South Pacific in New Caledonia. Popular for holding the healthiest biodiverse corals. This reef has an area of 1.3km² and the coastline travels 1,600 km long. The width is approximately 1 to 25 km, while the depth is 25 metres.
The Red Sea Corral Reef
The Red Sea Corral Reef
The Red Sea Corral Reef is located near the Indian ocean northernmost part, passing along coastlines of Egypt, Israel, Eritrea, and Sudan. The length travelling along the coast is 4,000 km, making it the longest reef system. The average depth of the Red Sea Corral Reef is 490 metres and width is 355 kilometres.
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