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The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral
structures, separated by lagoons. The atolls are in fact part of
a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which
stretches over 2000 kilometres. The islands are low lying with
the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. 'Faru'
or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs
provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on these
delicate islands.
Out of the 26 naturally formed atolls, the largest atoll is the
Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the largest in the world with a lagoon
covering an area of 864 square miles. Out of the 1,190 islands,
the largest island is the Fua Mulaku Island, which is two miles
long and one mile wide.
The word "atoll" is a word in the English language that the
Oxford Dictionary has extracted from the Maldivian language.
This certainly is an indication of just how perfect our atoll
formations are.
The famous English geologist, Charles Darwin, best describes
atoll formation. His theory is based on volcanic subsidence. As
the volcano subsides into the sea, small fringing reefs start
developing around it. In time the fringing reef develops and
further subsidence increases reef formation. The fringing reef
later develops into a larger barrier reef. Eventually when the
volcano subsides completely, rings of reefs will be seen around
the atoll leaving a lagoon in the middle. Thus an atoll is
formed. |
