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barrier reef
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Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast of Australia, showing turquoise water, coral formations, and a small island. Aerial view of the Belize Barrier Reef with a visible line of waves breaking offshore and a densely forested cay in the foreground.
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coral reef
ribbon reef
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Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast of Australia, showing turquoise water, coral formations, and a small island.
Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef, off the northeastern coast of Australia.

barrier reef

geology
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History

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.