Coral Reef Formation: Subsidence Theory
The question asks to identify the scholar who proposed the Subsidence Theory concerning coral reefs.
Subsidence Theory Explanation
The Subsidence Theory, a significant explanation for the formation of coral reefs, particularly atolls, was primarily developed by Charles Darwin.
- The core idea is that coral polyps start growing around a volcanic island that gradually sinks (subsides) over time.
- As the island subsides, the corals continue to grow upwards, maintaining their position near the surface of the water.
- This process leads to the formation of a fringing reef, then a barrier reef, and finally, an atoll (a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon) when the central island has completely submerged.
Scholar Attribution
Charles Darwin is credited with formulating and elaborating the Subsidence Theory based on his observations during the voyage of the HMS Beagle.
While other scholars like Davis and Dutton proposed modifications or alternative theories later, Darwin's initial concept laid the foundation for understanding reef development through subsidence.
Therefore, Darwin is the scholar associated with the Subsidence Theory of coral reefs.
Important Questions from Oceanography
Tsunami is caused by ___________.
Red sea records the highest salinity because of very high evaporation. It is located in which ocean?
The Gulf Stream is found in
Consider the following statements :
1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds
2. In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The regular rise and fall of ocean water twice a day is called _______.
