Volcanic atoll formation stages. This sequence of cutaway block artworks runs from left to right. The first stage (left) shows a volcanic vents forming peaks on the sea floor that eventually rise above sea level. In the second stage,the volcanoes go dormant and erosion reduces them to below sea level,while coral reefs on the volcanic slopes form the ringed shape of an atoll. In the third stage,the volcanoes have been eroded below sea level. In the fourth stage (right),further erosion has produced flat-topped underwater mountains. Such sea mounts provide a habitat for a range of marine life | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Hks, Gary |
Bildgröße: | 6451 px × 2717 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |