Difference between revisions of "Reef"

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{{Definition|title=Reef
 
{{Definition|title=Reef
|definition=
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|definition= A natural reef is a bar of rock, sand, coral or similar material, lying at or near the surface of the ocean. Natural reefs result from biotic or abiotic (physical, chemical) processes. Artificial reefs are man-made structures, intentionally or unintentionally (e.g. shipwrecks). }}
Reefs are defined structures in the marine environment that arise from the seabed and cover an extensive area<ref>[[Natural_barriers#Biogenic_reefs |Theseus wiki: natural barriers]]</ref>. Or as hard mineral substrates such as rocks, till, or stones, primarily moraine ridges with block and stone cover in gravel/sandy surroundings, which rise mildly to prominently above the seafloor;<ref name= "Theart">[[Threats_to_cold_water_coral_reefs%2C_sand_banks_and_seagrass_habitats_in_the_North_Sea_by_climate_change_effects|Theseus wiki: Threats to cold water coral reefs]]</ref>.
 
* biogenic hard substrates such as honeycomb (Sabellaria) reefs and mussel banks are present;
 
* they are permanently submerged;
 
* often they are overgrown with mussels and a characteristic macrofauna.
 
Reefs can be both natural and artificial in origin<ref>[[Artificial_reefs| Theseus wiki: Artificial reefs]]</ref>.
 
  
Reefs have a number of ecological functions:<ref name= "Theart"/>
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* feeding grounds for birds and marine mammals;
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:Examples of biogenic reef: coral reef, oyster reef, reefs built of worm tubes (''Sabellaria alveolata'')
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:Examples of abiotic reef: beach rock, moraine ridge
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 +
 
 +
:Reefs have a number of ecological functions:
 +
*feeding grounds for birds and marine mammals;
 
*habitat and retreat;
 
*habitat and retreat;
 
*habitat and nursery area with high species diversity;
 
*habitat and nursery area with high species diversity;
 
*spawning grounds and feeding ground for fish;
 
*spawning grounds and feeding ground for fish;
 
*stepping-stone and regeneration reservoir for the expansion of benthic organisms.
 
*stepping-stone and regeneration reservoir for the expansion of benthic organisms.
}}
 
  
==References==
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<references/>
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==Related articles==
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:[[Natural shore protecting barriers]]
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:[[Biogenic reefs of Europe and temporal variability]]
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:[[Dynamics, threats and management of biogenic reefs]]
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:[[Threats to cold water coral reefs, sand banks and seagrass habitats in the North Sea by climate change effects]]
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:[[Artificial reefs]]

Revision as of 15:32, 20 May 2020

Definition of Reef:
A natural reef is a bar of rock, sand, coral or similar material, lying at or near the surface of the ocean. Natural reefs result from biotic or abiotic (physical, chemical) processes. Artificial reefs are man-made structures, intentionally or unintentionally (e.g. shipwrecks).
This is the common definition for Reef, other definitions can be discussed in the article


Examples of biogenic reef: coral reef, oyster reef, reefs built of worm tubes (Sabellaria alveolata)
Examples of abiotic reef: beach rock, moraine ridge


Reefs have a number of ecological functions:
  • feeding grounds for birds and marine mammals;
  • habitat and retreat;
  • habitat and nursery area with high species diversity;
  • spawning grounds and feeding ground for fish;
  • stepping-stone and regeneration reservoir for the expansion of benthic organisms.


Related articles

Natural shore protecting barriers
Biogenic reefs of Europe and temporal variability
Dynamics, threats and management of biogenic reefs
Threats to cold water coral reefs, sand banks and seagrass habitats in the North Sea by climate change effects
Artificial reefs