Can you explain why atolls extend from the surface of the ocean down to great depths into the sea? Corals, which make up these ring-shaped structures, can only live where water is warmed and illuminated by sunlight, no more than approximately 45 meters deep. How do you explain an atoll that extends thousands of meters deep?

Question

Muffy

Social Studies

18 August, 12:18

Can you explain why atolls extend from the surface of the ocean down to great depths into the sea? Corals, which make up these ring-shaped structures, can only live where water is warmed and illuminated by sunlight, no more than approximately 45 meters deep. How do you explain an atoll that extends thousands of meters deep?

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Leonel Manning · Answer 1

Explanation: An atoll is formed around the mouth of an underwater volcano (which has eroded or subsided beneath the water). A lagoon of water is formed over the caldera of the volcano, while the higher rim of such volcano continues to be underwater. This enables corals to grow and form the coral reefs. Coral reefs have flourishing ecosystems, whereas atolls are commonly known as "underwater deserts" due to their lack of life.