The Republic of Maldives is a small south Asian archipelagic state. It has a total land size of 298m2, and consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands, grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, spread across roughly 90,000m2. As well as being Asia’s smallest country, it is also the world’s most geographically dispersed country. The islands were traditionally difficult to navigate and the first maritime charts were only produced in 1836, later maps have been produced with input from satellites. The reason why the Maldives (as the country is more commonly known) is of interest to a 500-word blog on coral, is, of course, because the country is composed of live coral reefs and sandbars. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, surrounding a lagoon, with channels between islets connecting the lagoon to the open sea. The Maldives landmass is of coraline origin – highly complex structures. Most of the islands are flat and sandy,...
I was just thinking life was a bit more interesting then, and yes can completely see it could all relate to things today - I may read Tim's book 'The Brendan Voyage'. I will buy and can share if anyone wants to borrow.
ReplyDeleteIf you do buy, will you share with me? Or a Christmas present idea Mum?
ReplyDelete