Coral atolls are important as sites where dolomitization of calcite occurs. Several models have been proposed for the dolomitization of calcite and aragonite within them. They are the evaporative, seepage-reflux, mixing-zone, burial, and seawater models.

2025年2月28日 · atoll, coral reef enclosing a lagoon. Atolls consist of ribbons of reef that may not always be circular but whose broad configuration is a closed shape up to dozens of kilometres across, enclosing a lagoon that may be approximately 50 metres (160 feet) deep or more.

This animation shows the dynamic process of how a coral atoll forms. Corals (represented in tan and purple) begin to settle and grow around an oceanic island forming a fringing reef. It can take as long as 10,000 years for a fringing reef to form.

For reef scientists, atolls are broadly defined as a large, ring-shaped coral reefs that surround a central lagoon. Coming up with a more specific and unambiguous definition of such reef formations is not all that easy however.

2024年10月12日 · Discover the wonders of atolls, unique ring-shaped coral islands. Explore their formation, diverse ecosystems, and why they're crucial to marine life and island cultures.

2023年10月19日 · An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets. An atoll surrounds a body of water called a lagoon. Sometimes, atolls and lagoons protect a central island. Channels between islets connect a lagoon to the open ocean or sea. Atolls develop with underwater volcanoes, called seamounts. First, the volcano erupts, piling up lava on ...

2017年4月25日 · An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef or series of coral rims that encircle a lagoon either partially or wholly. Atoll and lagoons form a rim around an island that offers protection to the central island.