Coral reefs

Coral reefs

Coral reefs are structures formed from the calcium carbonate secretions of corals. They are colonies of tiny animals in marine areas containing few nutrients.

Industry: Natural environment

Add a new term

Contributors in Coral reefs

Become a Contributors

Coral reefs

Valence

Natural environment; Coral reefs

The chemical combining capacity of an element or ion; the number of electrons that are used by an atom to form a compound. A valence electron is in the outer or next outer shell of an atom.

Reef crest

Natural environment; Coral reefs

The sharp break in slope at seaward margin or edge of reef flat.

Phreatic water

Natural environment; Coral reefs

Water below the level at which all voids in the rock are completely filled with water.

Respiration

Natural environment; Coral reefs

A biochemical process by which living organisms take up oxygen from the environment and consume organic matter, releasing both carbon dioxide and heat energy.

Growth factor

Natural environment; Coral reefs

Any of various chemicals, particularly polypeptides, that have a variety of important roles in the stimulation of new cell growth and cell maintenance. They bind to the cell surface on receptors. ...