Local Factors Affecting Location of Coral Reefs:

Wave action - coral thrive well in oxygenated water, they prefer strong wave action but not too exposed to frequent storm conditions which can destroy the corals
Sediment - corals require clean, clear water as sediment clogs up their feeding mechanisms and reduces iight available for photosynthesis
Exposure to air - corals die if they are exposed to air for too long so growth of reefs is limited to low tides
Water depth - most reefs grow in depths of 25m or less on the margins or continents or islands
Nutrients - corals grow well in water that is nutrient poor

Global Factors Affecting Location of Coral Reefs:

Light - needed for photosynthesis
Temperature - reefs don't develop where average water temperatures fall below 18 degrees. The best conditions are between 23 and 25 degrees
Salinity - corals are marine creatures that are intolerant of a salt content less than 30,000 - 32,000 ppm. They prefer a high salt content

	Created by Caitlyn Grayston over 7 years ago

A-Level Geography (A Level Biodiversity Under Threat) Note on Coral Reefs, created by Caitlyn Grayston on 01/06/2017.