Chapter 1. Identity card of a coral reef


A closer look at the reef

Objectives

Students can point out and give some information on the different parts of the reef.

Materials

Procedure

  1. The image below is a representation of a coral reef. Complete the image by naming every part of the reef.
    You can choose out of: fore reef, back reef, lagoon, bank/shelf, escarpment, reef crest.
    TIP: If you haven't already, try to play the game.
    2. Parts of a reef
  2. In which part of the reef are the following statements valid?

    • In this area, the corals grow the best since it is closest to the surface and gets the most sunlight.
    • There is much more abundant coral growth found on this slope as well as a greater number of different species than are found on the reef flat. This is mostly because this part of the reef is not much affected by freshwater runoff and sediments, unlike the flat which is nearer to the shore.
    • The circular body of water partly enclosed within an atoll.
    • Some cold-water corals can be found here.