Discussion Questions: Build an Island
- Explain what a coral reef is and how it develops.
- Why does a volcanic island become smaller over time when its volcano is no longer active?
- What conditions must exist for an atoll to continue to develop rather than die?
- In general, how important do you think biological processes are in modifying Earth's surfaces?
- Why do you think Charles Darwin might have been interested in the theory of atoll formation?
- Do you think a coral reef can develop around a volcanic island while it is still active?