Photo of the day

Scientists generally agree on four different types of coral reef, each with their own unique ecosystems and local ocean wildlife in underwater neighborhoods. Barrier reefs are found offshore, separated from land by an expanse of water, whilst fringing reefs make themselves at home on shorelines, forming borders along the submerged edges of islands. Patch reefs are small and isolated, growing up from the open bottom of continental shelves between fringing and barrier reefs. Last but not least, atolls appear circular or oval in shape, surrounding open water in the center, often surrounding an undersea volcano! 🌋