Definitions
- Referring to a piece of land surrounded by water, larger than a rock but smaller than a continent. - Talking about a landmass that is completely surrounded by water. - Describing a place that is isolated or remote from the mainland.
- Referring to a ring-shaped coral reef surrounding a lagoon. - Talking about a type of island formed by coral reefs. - Describing a small, low-lying island made up of coral and sand.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are landforms surrounded by water.
- 2Both can be found in oceans or seas.
- 3Both can be home to various forms of wildlife and vegetation.
- 4Both can be tourist destinations for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- 5Both can be affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes or tsunamis.
What is the difference?
- 1Shape: Islands can have various shapes and sizes, while atolls are always ring-shaped with a lagoon in the center.
- 2Formation: Islands can be formed by volcanic activity, tectonic plates, or erosion, while atolls are formed by coral reefs growing on top of submerged volcanoes.
- 3Elevation: Islands can have varying elevations, while atolls are typically low-lying and flat.
- 4Location: Islands can be located near or far from the mainland, while atolls are typically found in tropical waters.
- 5Usage: Islands can be used for various purposes such as agriculture, residential areas, or military bases, while atolls are primarily used for tourism and fishing.
Remember this!
Island and atoll are both landforms surrounded by water, but they differ in their shape, formation, elevation, location, and usage. An island is a piece of land surrounded by water, while an atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef surrounding a lagoon. Islands can have various shapes and sizes, while atolls are always ring-shaped with a lagoon in the center. Islands can be formed by volcanic activity, tectonic plates, or erosion, while atolls are formed by coral reefs growing on top of submerged volcanoes.
