The reef slope can be quite steep,nearly vertical in fact. It is the part of thereef with the densest cover (Fig. 14.16)and the most species of coral, becausethe slope is away from shore and there-fore away from the effects of sedimentand fresh water. Also, the waves thatbathe the slope provide good circulation,bring in nutrients and zooplankton, and wash away fine sediments. Thereef crest is the shallow edge of the reef slope. The crest usually has even moreluxuriant coral growth than the rest of the reef slope. If there is intense waveaction, however, the crest may consist of an algal ridge, with the richest coralgrowth just below. Because there is lesslight in deep water, the deepest part of the reef slope usually has less live coraland fewer coral species.