barrier island lagoon
Quick Summary
A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water, such as the ocean, by a natural barrier like a sandbar or a barrier island. Barrier islands are long, sandy islands that run parallel to the shore, protecting it from ocean waves and currents.123
There are two main types of lagoons:
* Barrier island lagoons: These are found between coastal barrier islands and the mainland shoreline. They are characterized by calm waters and fine sediment.2
* Coral lagoons: These are found within coral reefs, often in tropical waters, and are surrounded by coral atolls or barrier reefs.2
Lagoons support productive ecosystems with unique flora and fauna due to their sheltered conditions.2
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