Lagoon

water bodies · coastal · ecosystems · geography

Shallow and sheltered. Lagoons are much calmer than the open ocean because they are protected by a natural wall like a reef or barrier island. This makes them perfect homes for fish, birds, and other creatures that need quieter water.

Found everywhere. Lagoons are common along coastlines all around the world, from tropical islands to cooler regions. They form when water gets trapped between the beach and something that blocks the big waves.

Mix of fresh and salt. Some lagoons have purely ocean water, while others mix salty seawater with fresh water from rivers, creating unique homes for special kinds of plants and animals.

Built by nature. Lagoons can be protected by coral reefs, sandy barrier islands, or even long ridges of gravel and rocks, all working together to create a safe pocket of water.

Wildlife paradise. Because they are calm and often rich with food, lagoons attract tons of birds, fish, crabs, and other animals that depend on these shallow waters to survive.