With white sand and long beaches amid blue clear waters, Maldives is an island country famous for tourism in the Indian Ocean.
It is formed from about 1200 coral islands. There are 20 atolls on it which are called treasures of natural beauty.
The weather here remains hot throughout the year. The collection of atolls and islands makes the Maldives a popular destination in the Indian subcontinent.
The atolls of the Maldives are spectacular, dotted with exclusive marine resorts, private pools and overwater rooms. From here tourists can see the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Visitors to these atolls enjoy a spectacular view of underwater coral walls, brightly colored tropical fish and an array of other interesting marine creatures. Tourists also come here for snorkeling and diving.
What are atolls?
Atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs, islands or chains of islands. There is a body of water in the middle of the annular shape, surrounded by land on all sides, which is called a lagoon.
Sometimes, atolls are open and lagoons are protecting an island. Sometimes the lagoon between the islands is connected to the open ocean or sea.
This geographical and natural formation adds to the natural beauty of that area.
Which atolls are in Maldives?
There are 20 such atolls in Maldives, which are full of natural beauty. That is why tourists come here to enjoy it. Tourists have been turning to the islands of Lakshadweep and Maldives to live amidst the sea, experience the aquatic ecology and environmental pleasures there.
Famous atolls of Maldives include Haa Alif Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, Nunu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll, Haviani Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, Lifu Alifu Atoll, Lifu Dhaalu Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Meemu Atoll. Ātha Atoll, Gaafu Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Gaafu-Dhaalu Atoll, Gwanaviani Atoll and Seenu Atoll.
How are atolls formed?
These atolls develop with underwater volcanic eruptions, called seamounts. First, the volcano erupts, depositing lava on the ocean floor.
As the volcano continues to erupt, the seamount increases in height, eventually breaking the water surface and the top of the volcano becoming an oceanic island or islet.
After this, small sea creatures called corals begin to form a reef around the island. The type of corals that form these rocks are called hermatypic corals or hard corals.
Hermetypic corals form a hard exoskeleton of limestone (calcium carbonate). Later, trees and plants grow on it.
Post Views: 1