Coral Reefs are one of the most diverse biomes on earth. They are located in shallow, clear, warm waters of tropical to subtropical oceans. The water temperature range for coral reefs is about 20 degrees to 36 degrees Celsius. The Salinity level ranges from 34-37 parts per 1000. Salinity levels measure the saltiness of the water. It is measured by kilograms of dissolved salts to kilograms of water. This data puts all coral reefs in tropical areas. 90% of the worlds coral reefs are in the Eastern Pacific, Indio-West Pacific, Western Atlantic, and Eastern Atlantic regions.
There are three specific types of corals reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and coral atolls. Each kind of reef thrives at different depths. Fringing reefs exist very close to ocean shore lines. There is little to no space between the land and the reef itself. Fringing reefs are mostly found in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. Barrier reefs are found in deeper parts of the ocean than fringing reefs and are found farther from the shoreline. Atolls are circular reefs. One of Darwin's theories was that atolls started out as fringing reefs around an island. Over time the island would sink farther into the ocean floor leaving the reef outlining the island.
Coral reefs are made when polyps (tiny organisms) are grouped and formed together with calcium carbonate, making coral. Photosynthesis is necessary in order for the coral to grow, so the shallower the water is, the better for the coral. When the water gets too deep, sunlight does not penetrate through, causing little to no plant growth.
There are three specific types of corals reefs: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and coral atolls. Each kind of reef thrives at different depths. Fringing reefs exist very close to ocean shore lines. There is little to no space between the land and the reef itself. Fringing reefs are mostly found in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. Barrier reefs are found in deeper parts of the ocean than fringing reefs and are found farther from the shoreline. Atolls are circular reefs. One of Darwin's theories was that atolls started out as fringing reefs around an island. Over time the island would sink farther into the ocean floor leaving the reef outlining the island.
Coral reefs are made when polyps (tiny organisms) are grouped and formed together with calcium carbonate, making coral. Photosynthesis is necessary in order for the coral to grow, so the shallower the water is, the better for the coral. When the water gets too deep, sunlight does not penetrate through, causing little to no plant growth.