Consider the following statements about fringing reefs. 1. It is a co...
Fringing reefs: - A fringing reef is a coralline platform lying close to the shore extending outwards from the mainland.
- It is sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon.
- It is widest when fringing a protruding headland but completely absent when facing the mouth of a stream.
- The outer edge grows rapidly because of the splashing waves that continuously renew the supply of fresh food.
Consider the following statements about fringing reefs. 1. It is a co...
Explanation:
Fringing reefs are one of the three main types of coral reefs, along with barrier reefs and atolls. They are found close to the shore and are directly attached to the mainland or an island. Let's analyze each statement in detail to determine which ones are correct.
1. It is a coralline platform lying close to the shore extending outwards from the mainland:
This statement is correct. Fringing reefs are formed along the shoreline and extend outwards from the mainland or an island. They are formed by the growth of corals directly on the continental shelf or the shallow slopes of volcanic islands.
2. It is sometimes separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon:
This statement is also correct. In some cases, fringing reefs may be separated from the shore by a shallow lagoon. The lagoon is a relatively calm and shallow body of water between the reef and the mainland. The depth of the lagoon can vary, but it is generally shallower than the open ocean.
3. It is widest when fringing a protruding headland but completely absent when facing the mouth of a stream:
This statement is incorrect. Fringing reefs can be found in a variety of coastal features, including both headlands and areas with river mouths. The width of a fringing reef is determined by a combination of factors such as water depth, wave energy, and sedimentation. While fringing reefs may be wider in areas with protruding headlands due to increased wave energy and favorable conditions for coral growth, they can also develop in areas facing the mouth of a stream. The presence or absence of a fringing reef is not solely dependent on the presence of a stream mouth.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis above, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D', which states that all three statements are correct.