Atoll

Atolls are circular or oval coral reefs

that partially or completely encircle
a lagoon.

Barrier

A barrier reef is a reef that borders

the shoreline over a long distance. They
are separated from the adjacent land
mass by a lagoon.

Fringing

A fringing reef forms borders along

the shoreline and the surrounding islands,
but at shorter distance than barrier reefs. It
is directly attached to the land. This is the
most common type of coral reefs

Apron

Apron reefs are very similar to fringing

reefs. Both are extending downward
from the land margin, the former more
gently sloping than the latter.

Patch

Patch reefs are small, isolated outcrops

of coral surrounded by sand and/or
seagrass, and may form part of a
fringing reef system.

Ribbon

Ribbon reefs are the small and long

components of a barrier or are
connected to an atoll lagoon.

Table

Table reefs are future atolls, but are

not yet connected to a lagoon

Bank

Bank reefs are similar to the patch,

but are larger and often
hemispherical.