How do coral reefs form?

Coral reefs form over thousands of years through the accumulation of coral skeletons. Corals are tiny animals called polyps that live in colonies, and they secrete a hard skeleton made of calcium carbonate, which forms the base of the reef. Over time, as more and more coral polyps grow and die, their skeletons accumulate, and the reef grows larger.

Coral reefs typically form in shallow, warm waters in tropical regions, where there is a lot of sunlight for the corals to photosynthesize and grow. The corals also need clear, clean water to thrive, as well as a stable environment with the right temperature and salinity.

Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of marine life, from fish and sea turtles to sharks and whales. They also provide important ecosystem services, such as protecting shorelines from storms and erosion, and generating income for local communities through tourism and fishing. Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat from a range of human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which can lead to coral bleaching and death.