Which one of the following types of coral reefs are developed along the edges of continental shelves and separated by lagoon ?
[amp_mcq option1=”Patch reefs” option2=”Fringing reefs” option3=”Barrier reefs” option4=”Atoll reefs” correct=”option3″]
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
Coral reefs develop in different forms. Fringing reefs grow directly from the coastline. Barrier reefs are separated from the coast by a lagoon, which can be quite wide and deep. Atoll reefs are ring-shaped reefs enclosing a central lagoon, often formed around submerged volcanic islands. Patch reefs are isolated, small reefs. The description “developed along the edges of continental shelves and separated by lagoon” best fits the definition of Barrier reefs.
– Fringing reef: directly attached to the coast.
– Barrier reef: separated from the coast by a lagoon.
– Atoll reef: ring around a lagoon.
– Patch reef: isolated reef within a lagoon or platform.