Size and Structure of the Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest tropical reef system, covering an area of 348,000 km2 and stretching along 2300km of the eastern Australian coastline. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 200 individual reefs and 540 inshore islands (many with fringing reefs). It is among the most complex ecosystems on the planet.
Climate
We normally associate the term climate with habitats above ground. But reefs, like terrestrial habitats, have climate requirements. Around the world, reefs generally occur only where temperatures remain above 18° Celsius (64° Fahrenheit) most of the time. This means that they are usually located in the tropics, within 30 degrees north and south of the equator.
The Great Barrier Reef benefits from warm water in the South-West Pacific Ocean which keeps its temperatures suitable for supporting reef life.
Sources
For a list of sources used in the creation of this visual guide, please see the Recommended Reading page.