Great Barrier Reef

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Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef largest complex of coral reef in the world, c.1,250 mi (2,000 km) long, in the Coral Sea, forming a natural breakwater for the coast of Queensland, NE Australia. Composed of more than 2,800 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon from 10 to 100 mi (16-161 km) wide. In some places it is more than 400 ft (122 m) thick. A major tourist attraction, the reef has many islets, coral gardens, and unusual marine life. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, more than 130,000 sq mi (340,000 sq km), encompasses most of the reefs and interreefal areas as well as the neighboring lagoon and a large section of the continental shelf. It is the largest UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Bibliography: See R. Endean, Australia's Great Barrier Reef (1983).

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Great Barrier Reef

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Great Barrier Reef World's largest coral reef, in the Coral Sea off the ne coast of Queensland, Australia. It was first explored by James Cook in 1770. It forms a natural breakwater and is up to 800m (2600ft) wide. The reef is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, 11–24km (7–15mi) wide. It is a world heritage site. Length: 2000km (1250mi). Area: c.207,000sq km (80,000sq mi).

http://www.reefed.edu.au; http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au

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