Marine Biology

Wave action

In general, coral reef development is greater in areas subject to strong wave action. Coral colonies with their dense, massive skeletons of calcium carbonate are very resistant to damage by wave action. At the same time, the wave action provides a constant source of fresh, oxygenated seawater and prevents sediment from settling on the colony. Wave action is also responsible for renewing the plankton, which is food for the coral colony.