The reef is made up of igneous rock, which is conducive to the growth of algae. Once the algae die, they turn into calcareous deposits on which more algae can grow. This cycle gradually builds up the reef.
原來，這些礁石是火山岩，適合海藻類附著生長，海藻死後，殘骸硬化成為一層薄薄的石灰質，新的藻類就在這層石灰質上，繼續附著生長，如此一生一死不停循環，逐漸堆疊出這些美麗的藻礁。