Chapter 5: Problem 10

Where is a lagoon in relation to a barrier reef? Where is it in relation to an atoll?

Short Answer

Expert verified

A lagoon is located between a barrier reef and the coastal shoreline, with the barrier reef separating it from the open ocean. In relation to an atoll, the lagoon is situated at the center of the ring-shaped coral structure, which surrounds and protects it from the open ocean.

Step by step solution

Understanding Lagoon, Barrier Reef, and Atoll

A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water (usually the ocean) by a barrier, such as a coral reef or sandbar. A barrier reef is a long, narrow coral reef running parallel to the coastline which has a lagoon between it and the shore. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon, often formed when a volcanic island subsides into the ocean, leaving behind a circular ring of living coral.

Lagoon's Position in Relation to a Barrier Reef

A lagoon is found between the barrier reef and the coastal shoreline. The barrier reef acts as a barrier separating the lagoon from the open ocean.

Lagoon's Position in Relation to an Atoll

In an atoll, the lagoon is located at the center of the ring-shaped coral structure. The circular coral formation surrounds the lagoon, providing protection from the open ocean.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Where is a lagoon in relation to a barrier reef? Where is it in relation to an atoll?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Lagoon, Barrier Reef, and Atoll

Lagoon's Position in Relation to a Barrier Reef

Lagoon's Position in Relation to an Atoll

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Superpowers of the World

Challenges In The Human Environment

Living World

Energy Security

River Landscapes

Glaciated Landscapes

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.