Development of coral islands?

Question

Development of coral islands?

Answer 1

Coral islands begin with the creation of a high point on the ocean floor. This is required because the surface that the coral grows on must be high enough for sunlight to penetrate the water and allow for photosynthesis. Once enough coral grows the top may erode creating a white coral beach. Over all coral islands tend to be very close to sea level and short lived by a geologic timescale.