1. Fore reef – from about 70 m depth on;
little live coral, but lots of debris from higher in the reef. Often lots of sand
2. Reef front – zone of most vigorous growth and highest diversity of coral. Colony
shape shifts from encrusting to massive, to branching and plate as wave energy and light decrease
3. Reef crest – highest part of the reef, wave breaker, possibly exposed during low tide
4. Reef flat – rubble zone (storm debris, encrusting organisms),
generally good coverage of corals
5. Back reef/lagoon – quiet, sheltered water, sparse corals