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Describe Murray's theory on the formation of barrier reefs and atolls

Describe Murray's theory on the formation of barrier reefs and atolls

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Faith
According to this theory, the formation of a barrier reef starts as fringing reef which gradually grows outwards. Breaking waves disintegrate the fringing reef, the debris of which accumulate seaward. The material forms a base within the optimum depth for the growth of polyps. The polyps build on it upwards and seaward since they are exposed to more food on the seaward side. The polyps on the inner side die since they are deprived of food. The coral reef then dissolves making the lagoon deeper. This results in the formation of a barrier reef.
In the formation of an atoll, Murray suggested that the base of atolls are submarine hills and plateaus that contain pelagic or volcanic materials. If this material is within 60 metres of the surface, the polyps begin to grow on them, forming reefs in the process.
Faimus answered the question on January 17, 2018 at 16:27

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