What+is+a+LAGOON.doc

Technology Project

“A shallow body of water, especially one separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs.” (Answers.com)
 * What is a lagoon? **



// © Nicholas DeVore III/Bruce Coleman Inc // What is a LAGOON?
 * Lagoons lie behind the coral reef and barrier islands surrounding Raiatea and Tahaa in the Society Islands, Pacific Ocean. **

“Area of relatively shallow, quiet water with access to the sea but separated from it by sandbars, barrier islands, or coral reefs. Coastal lagoons have low to moderate tides and constitute about 13% of the world's coastline. Their water is colder than the sea in winter and warmer in summer. In warm regions, evaporation may more than balance any freshwater input and may result in hypersaline water and even the buildup of thick salt deposits. Coral-reef lagoons occur on marginal reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef, but the most spectacular examples, some more than 30 mi (50 km) across, are associated with Pacific atolls .” (Brittanica.com)

1. Define lagoon.

2. Why is it good that the boys are stranded on an island that has a lagoon?