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atoll
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Diagram showing the stages of atoll formation: a volcanic island forms above a mantle plume, then gradually sinks to become a sinking island, guyot, barrier reef, and eventually an atoll or seamount, with cross-sections illustrating magma movement, oceanic crust, and plate tectonics. Pukapuka Atoll A three-part diagram shows the formation of a coral atoll: first, a volcanic island with a surrounding coral reef; next, the island sinks as the coral reef grows upward; finally, the island disappears below the surface, leaving a ring-shaped atoll of coral with a central lagoon. Both top and side views are provided for each stage.
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atoll: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: The Royal Society Publishing - Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences - Nature-based solutions for atoll habitability. Jun 24, 2026
Add new Web site: Cell Press - Rethinking atoll futures: local resilience to global challenges. Oct 17, 2024
Add new Web site: Frontiers - Finding patterns of atoll morphometrics at a range of spatial scales. May 16, 2024
Add new Web site: The Royal Society Publishing - Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences - Nature-based solutions for atoll habitability. Jun 02, 2023
Add new Web site: Smithsonian Ocean - Birth of an Atoll. Apr 22, 2022
Replaced photograph. Oct 16, 2017
Add new Web site: National Geographic - Encyclopedic Entry - Atoll. Oct 21, 2013
Add new Web site: UNESCO World Heritage Convention - Aldabra Atoll. Sep 29, 2011
Article revised and updated. Jan 03, 2008
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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