There are a range of biophysical processes that affect the function of marine environments. Coral reefs require abiotic and biotic factors to create a healthy and balanced ecosystem. These factors include currents, sunlight, wave actions, water temperature as well as geomorphic and atmospheric processes.

Hydrologic processes like currents and sunlight work together to help algae grow, creating a food source for many organisms that live in reefs. Additionally, free-swimming coral larvae is transported to the rocks and reefs which allows coral species to grow and reefs to expand. Wave action causes the erosion of land and the sediments settle on the ocean floor. The exposure to sunlight, the depth of water and the location affects water temperature.