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How do fringing reefs differ from barrier reefs?
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coral reef
The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef.
The primary difference between fringing reefs and barrier reefs lies in their proximity to the shore and the presence of a separating body of water.12
- Fringing reefs consist of flat reef areas that directly skirt or border a nonreef landmass, such as a mainland or a volcanic island.12
- Barrier reefs are located several kilometres offshore, separated from the adjacent landmass by a lagoon or channel that is often approximately 50 metres (160 feet) deep.12
Geologically, these structures are often related through development. According to the theory proposed by Charles Darwin, barrier reefs often begin as fringing reefs. As the landmass subsides or sea levels rise, the reef grows upward and outward, creating a lagoon between the reef and the land. While fringing reefs remain attached to the coast, barrier reefs form complex, often linear features that stand apart from the shore.3412