Coral Reefs

Question 1

Three Types of Coral Reefs

Answer 1

Fringing Reef

Barrier Reef

Atoll

Question 2

Fringing Reef

Answer 2

Grow near the coastline around islands and continents.

They are separated from the shore by narrow, shallow lagoons.

The most common type of reef that we see.

Question 3

Barrier Reef

Answer 3

Parallel the coastline but are separated by deeper, wider lagoons.

At their shallowest point, they can reach the water’s surface forming a “barrier” to navigation.

Question 4

Atoll

Answer 4

Rings of coral that create protected lagoons and are usually located in the middle of the sea.

Usually form when islands surrounded by fringing reefs sink into the sea or the sea level rises around them (these islands are often the tops of underwater volcanoes).

The fringing reefs continue to grow and eventually form circles with lagoons inside.

Question 5

Four Conditions Required for Growth of Coral Reefs

Answer 5

Shallow water

Clean water

Temperatures between 21°c and 30°c

Balanced salt content

Question 6

Coral Reefs’ Build

Answer 6

Made of thin layers of calcium carbonate.

Question 7

Benefits of Coral Reefs

Answer 7

Protection from destructive wave impacts

Home to numerous fish species

Provide medicine for diseases

Question 8

Why Coral Reefs aren’t Found Across the World

Answer 8

Coral reefs only grow in tropical regions where the water there is ideal for their growth

Other areas are too polluted or have other threats like dynamite fishing and tourism