barrier reef
barrier reef, a coral reef (q.v.) roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon or other body of water. A barrier reef is usually pierced by several channels that give access to the lagoon and the island or continent beyond it.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
barrier reef
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
05 September 2026
Access Date:
November 13, 2026