Atolls
Atolls
Atolls are ring-shaped reef formations with a central lagoon. At this stage in "darwinian development", the island young fringing and barrier reefs surrounded has now been completely submerged and a ring of coral 1-20 miles in diameter is left. [1] Atolls are often uninhabited desert islands, relatively untouched and unexplored by humans. However, some atolls grow beyond short reef formations, forming substantial landmass. [2] These islands and islets have become the home of several island nations including the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. [3]
Formation
Morphology and Marine Species
There are two sides to an atoll. The outer edge facing the ocean slopes steeply to the ocean floor. Here, calcareous algaes flourish. The seaward margin faces into the center of the circle and drops much more gently. Here, you may find coral spurs or sediment-filled canyons.[1]
Location
Atolls are much more prevalent in the Indo-Pacific than in the Caribbean because of the relative abundance of submarine volcanoes. The few that are exhibited in the Caribbean are surrounded by fire coral instead of algal ridges. [1]
History and Tourism
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Strykowski, Joe and Rena M. Bonem. Palaces Under the Sea. Crystal River, FL: Star Thrower Foundation, 1993, p. 28-9. Print.
- ↑ Mark McGinley (Lead Author);J. Emmett Duffy (Topic Editor) "Atoll". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth March 29, 2010; Last revised Date October 2, 2012; Retrieved April 19, 2013
- ↑ “Republic of the Marshall Islands.” CoRIS. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Jan. 15, 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.