The ocean side of the reef begins the fore-reef, which continues down in depth to a sand plain. Abiotic factors on the fore-reef are less stressful compared to other zones and ideal for coral growth.

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical elements in the environment, which affect individual organisms as well as ecosystems. Examples are UV, IR and visible light, radiation ...

Abiotic close abioticNon-living elements of an ecosystem, such as climate, temperature, water, and soil type. factors are non-living environmental factors that can affect the organisms in ecosystems.