Environmental Conditions of Coral Reefs

• What salinity of water do coral reefs survive in?

  salty
• What depth of water do coral reefs grow at?

  shallow
• Why do coral reefs only grow in shallow water?

  they need sunlight for photosynthesis
• What temperature of water do coral reefs grow in?

  warm
• Why does the water need to be clean and clear for coral to thrive?

  the zooxanthellae require light to penetrate the water for photosynthesis
• Why do coral need wave action to thrive?

  they require oxygenated water as wave action replenishes these levels
• What alkalinity do coral reefs need to grow?

  pH 8
• Environmental Conditions associated with reef development:

  • Shallow Water
  • Warm water
  • Clear and Clean water
  • pH 8
• Environmental Conditions associated with reef development:


  • Shallow Water
  • Warm water
  • Clear and Clean water
  • pH 8
• What happens to coral reefs in response to environmental stressors?

  bleaching