Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Fringing Reefs: Fringing reefs are the most common type of coral reef, and they are directly attached to the coastline or land. They typically grow in shallow, nearshore areas, and their structure is influenced by the adjacent land. Fringing reefs often form a protective barrier between the open ocean and the coast. They are characterized by a shallow lagoon between the reef and the land.
Barrier Reefs: Barrier reefs are separated from the coast by a deeper, wider lagoon. These reefs are generally located farther offshore compared to fringing reefs and can stretch for long distances. Barrier reefs are often associated with volcanic islands and continental shelves. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is one of the most famous examples of a barrier reef.
Atolls: Atolls are circular or ring-shaped coral reefs that encircle a central lagoon. They are often found in the open ocean and are the remains of submerged volcanic islands. Atolls result from the subsidence of volcanic islands over time, leaving a fringing reef that develops into an atoll as the island sinks beneath the sea surface. Famous examples of atolls include the Maldives and some islands in the Pacific Ocean.