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date: 24 March 2023

coral reef 

Source:
A Dictionary of Geography
Author(s):

Susan Mayhew

An offshore ridge, mainly of calcium carbonate, formed by the secretions of small marine animals. Corals flourish in shallow waters over 21 °C and need abundant sunlight, so the water must be mud free, and shallow. Fringing reefs lie close to the shore, while barrier reefs are found further from the shore, in deeper water. Reef health is mapped by: live coral cover (... ...

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