Consider the following statements about the Coral Islands. 1. Unlike ...
Coral islands. Unlike the volcanic islands, the coral islands are much lower and emerge just above the water surface. These islands, built up by coral animals of various species, are found both near the mainland and in the midst of oceans.
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Consider the following statements about the Coral Islands. 1. Unlike ...
The correct answer is option 'A'.
Explanation:
Coral islands, also known as atolls, are formed by coral reefs that have grown around the edges of submerged volcanic islands. They are characterized by their low elevation and usually emerge just above the water surface. Let's analyze each statement in detail:
1. Unlike the volcanic islands, the coral islands are very much lower and emerge just above the water surface:
- This statement is correct. Coral islands are typically much lower in elevation compared to volcanic islands. They are formed by the growth of coral reefs around submerged volcanic islands. As the coral reefs continue to grow, they form a circular or horseshoe-shaped ring around the submerged volcano. Over time, the volcanic island erodes away, leaving behind a low-lying coral atoll with a lagoon in the center. The highest point on a coral island is usually just a few meters above sea level.
2. Mauritius and Reunion Islands of the Indian Ocean are the examples:
- This statement is incorrect. Mauritius and Reunion Islands are not coral islands but volcanic islands. They are both located in the Indian Ocean and have volcanic origins. Mauritius was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and Reunion Island is a volcanic hotspot that is still active today.
To summarize, coral islands are indeed much lower in elevation compared to volcanic islands and typically emerge just above the water surface. However, Mauritius and Reunion Islands are examples of volcanic islands, not coral islands. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.