An atoll is a coral island that is characterized by a ring shape, enclosing an inner lagoon that is connected to the ocean. Atolls are formed by the accumulation of corals at the base of the island that provide an ideal environment for their growth. After a long time, the island sinks due to various factors and an inner lagoon arises.
The term Atolón was popularized by Charles Darwin, who was able to develop his theory on the formation of coral reefs that he later included in his work “The origin of the species.” If you want to discover more about What is an atoll and how it is formedthen do not miss the following Ecology Verde.
WHAT IS AN ATOLON
An atolon is a Oceanic coral island or a set of various islands small, which are characterized by presenting circular or annular (ring -shaped) that They contain an inner lagoon With exit to the sea, usually of little depth.
Most atolls are located in the Pacific and Indian Ocean And very few in the Atlantic. Some atolls such as Bora Bora have a central island, which is actually an old volcano. While the term atolón comes from an indolar language (the “dhivehi”) spoken in the Maldives, the word was popularized by Charles Darwin, who from his observations could develop his Theory on the formation of coral reefswhich was included in his work “the origin of the species”.
Discover in this article what a coral reef is.
How an atolon is formed
Atolls originate From volcanic islands located in the oceans That, after extensive periods of volcanic activity time, emerge exceeding the surface of the ocean. The particular conditions between marine water and the rock bed of volcanoes provide an environment conducive to the growth of corals that form reefs.
Over the years, at the submerged base of the island they leave gradually accumulating coral reefs. As the volcanic island moves away from the hot spot activity region, it sinks due to sea level increase or experiences a progressive decrease due to the effects of erosion. The reef is configuring an outer ring which encloses an inner lagoon that gradually covers the structure of the submerged volcano.
It is important to note that the process of forming an atolon is a phenomenon that can be extended throughout approximately 30 million years. As the reef persists in its growth, the accumulation of sediments in its structures occurs, promoting the development of low islands at the top of the reefs. These islands, covered with sand and vegetation, are an integral part of the atolon.
Atolón bikini
The bikini atol is one of the atolls that They are part of the Marshall Islands And he is famous for the nuclear tests that have been done in it, since there the United States has tried atomic and hydrogen bombs Between 1946 and 1958, leaving a devastated place for their former local settlers. Currently it presents a radiation superior to that of Fukushima.
Atolón Bora Bora
The Bora Bora Atolón is found in French Polynesia and It is one of the Sotavento Islands of the islands of society. A distinctive feature is that it presents a mountainous central zone (extinct volcano) surrounded by a Reef and islet barrier called motus. The island is surrounded by crystalline waters that house a varied marine life, including stripes and sharks. In addition, Bora Bora has lush tropical vegetation inside.
Aldabra Atolón
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Aldabra Atolón is part of the outer islands And it is the second largest atolion in the world after Kiritimati. It has a great richness of flora and fauna and among its most important animals highlights the giant turtle of Aldabra (Geochelone gianta) endemic of the island.
Atolón Kiritimati
The Kiritimati atol, also known as atolón Christmas, is the Atolon of greater surface in the world. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, north of the archipelago of the islands of the line. Kiritimati has been inhabited by the Polynesians for centuries, and the arrival of European and American explorers left his mark in the history of the island, since during World War II it was an important military site for the United States.
Atolón Rowley Shoals
The Rowley Shoals constitute a coral reef trio (Mermaid, Clerke and Imperieuse) with atoll characteristics, located in the Timor South Regionapproximately 260 km west of Broome, Australia. These atolls have a remote and pristine location, offering a natural sanctuary for a varied range of marine species.
The Australian government has taken significant measures for protection and conservation of the Rowley Shoals, recognizing the importance of these coral reefs. In a conservation initiative, the Clerke reef and the reef Empireuse have been designated as marine parks, while the diminish is a nature reserve.
Now that you know what an atoll is and how it is formed, you can also be interested in these articles on what a cenote is and how the salt flats are and how they form.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is an atoll and how it is formedwe recommend that you enter our category of ecosystems.
