Coral atolls. What is an atoll? Meaning of the word

02.11.2019

ATOLL
ring-shaped coral reef surrounding the water area. Coral reefs are distributed in tropical and subtropical latitudes, most widely in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The word "atoll" comes from the name used by the peoples of Oceania for reefs forming a chain small islands, rising 4-6 m above the water surface. Sometimes reefs are flooded, and between their individual parts there are deep straits. Lake-like water areas inside atolls are called lagoons. Usually their depth is 18-30 m, but sometimes reaches 90 m.

Structure. The main material from which they are built Coral reefs, is limestone formed as a result of the accumulation of skeletons of marine animals and plants containing calcium carbonate, mainly corals and coralline algae. The islets scattered along the reefs usually consist of limestone fragments and chips - products of wave activity. Often small dunes are formed from this material under the influence of wind. The outer coast of most atoll islands is a fairly narrow strip of fringing reefs, often with a smooth border of massive pink calcareous algae and steep, narrow beaches composed of limestone fragments. Behind the coastal bank of the beach, coarse material is replaced by crushed stone, which is then replaced by gravel as it is crushed. In the center of the island there is often a depression filled with saline soil stained with humus. The interior of the islet is usually composed of coarse coral sand or fine gravel, while the central sections of the beach are composed of fine calcareous sand. If the atoll is completely raised above sea level, then the limestones composing it usually weather and form a rough surface - "makatea". The groundwater level there is very close, and small wells are often dug near the center of the islands. If the island is large or receives a lot of rainfall, then the groundwater is almost fresh, but if it is small or located in an area with little rainfall, then the groundwater is brackish or saline.
Flora. Vegetation cover is the most notable characteristic of the surface of atolls. It is sparse and most often consists of several species of widespread herbaceous plants and tree species that live in the coastal zone. There is a certain zoning in the distribution of vegetation in the direction from the outer edge of the atoll to the inner. It can be described in general terms for the entire Indo-Pacific region, where the atolls are especially numerous and their flora is of the same type. The outer zone is represented by shrubs, among which Scaevola frutescens predominates. This is followed by forests, mainly of halophytes such as Messerschmidia argenta and Pandanus tectorius. Even further from the coast, there are fewer halophytes, and Cordia, Pisonia grandis, Ochrosia and other species appear. In the center, under more mesophytic conditions, the primary vegetation cover probably consisted of trees such as Guettarda speciosa, Hibiscus tiliacens, ficus, pisonia, pandanus, Barringtonia asiatica, Terminalia and etc. On most islands, these forests were subsequently replaced by coconut palm and breadfruit plantations. The inner zone of the beaches is characterized by a narrow strip of trees such as hernandia, calophyllum, pandanus, thespesia, and cordia. On the sandy spits between the islands, Suriana maritima and scaevola are usually found, and on rocky outcrops, sour pemphis (Pemphis acidula). In some places, in the inner parts of the islands there are waterlogged depressions, and in some of them they are confined to hard rocks. In such conditions, some tree species typical of mangrove swamps occur. Other islets are swampy and treeless, dominated by grasses and sedges. On inhabited islands, soil is removed from these depressions and filled with humus, and then used to grow taro, sugar cane and other plants. Due to the salinity of the soil, few (with the exception of those listed above) cultivated plants can grow on low coral islands. Taro, breadfruit and coconuts are the main food of the population, in addition, coconuts are a source of drinking water.
Other natural resources. The vast majority of atolls are inhabited, and crop production there depends on the potential fertility of nutrient-poor, saline soils. The main crop is coconuts. Along with the above plants, the basis of the population’s diet is fish and shellfish, which abound in lagoons, reefs and adjacent open water areas. Trade items also include guano, pearls, shells for making buttons and dried sea cucumbers. Large atolls that rise above sea level are the most fertile, especially if they are located in very humid areas. They have much lush vegetation, richer flora and a much more diverse range of crops. Apparently, all this is associated with lower soil salinity. Large deposits of phosphorites (probably formed from ancient guano deposits) are often found on raised atolls. These atolls include the islands of Makatea, Nauru, Ocean, and Angaur. Guano deposits on many atoll islands were formed as a result of the activity of seabirds - gannets, frigatebirds, terns and tropical birds, which breed here. Apart from the listed birds and land crabs, including the palm thief, the terrestrial fauna is poor: rats dominate, and in the western part Pacific Ocean Fruit bats (fruit bats) are numerous. The waters abound with turtles, lobsters, giant bivalves, and many species of fish. The rich reef fauna includes many species of invertebrates.
Famous atolls. The largest groups of atolls in Indian Ocean are the Maldives and Laccadive Islands; in the Pacific Ocean - the Caroline, Marshall, Gilbert Islands in Micronesia, Tuamotu and others in Polynesia; a large number of atolls are scattered throughout Melanesia. IN Atlantic Ocean There are several atolls in the Lesser Antilles group, in addition, the Bahamas include a number of atypical atolls. The largest atoll in area (with a relatively small lagoon in the center) is Rozhdestva Island in the equatorial part of the Pacific Ocean. The largest lagoon is apparently located on Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Islands), although lagoons of almost the same size are found on some other atolls.
See also CORAL REEFS.
LITERATURE
Ravikovich A.I. Modern and fossil reefs. M., 1954 Geography of the atolls of the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. M., 1973

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "ATOLL" is in other dictionaries:

Modern encyclopedia

- (Atoll) lagoon reef, a special type of island. A ring-shaped strip of land surrounding an inland shallow lake or lagoon. Usually A. rises several meters above sea level. The depth in the lagoon is small; 60 150 m (30 80 nautical fathoms), whereas ... ... Marine Dictionary

Coral island, reef Dictionary of Russian synonyms. atoll noun, number of synonyms: 9 bikini (5) ... Synonym dictionary

atoll- a, m. atoll m., English. Coral island. Atoll aya, oh. Sometimes the tentacles of an octopus stuck into the hole, which apparently methodically searched the atoll bank. A. Kim Fish Simplicitas. // NM 1997 4 102. Lex. Dal: atol; Toll 1863: atoll; SAN 1891 ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

Atoll- (from the Malay adol closed), a coral structure with a shallow lagoon in the middle, connected to the ocean through one or more straits. The base for an atoll is usually the top of an underwater volcano. Distributed in tropical latitudes... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

A coral structure in the form of a continuous or broken ring surrounding a shallow lagoon. The base for an atoll is usually the top of an underwater volcano. Distributed in tropical latitudes of the Pacific and Indian Oceans... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

ATOLL, a ring-shaped CORAL REEF surrounding a shallow LAGOON. A reef appears initially as the frame of an island slowly sinking into water, usually of volcanic origin. As the island sinks, the corals continue to grow... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

ATOLL, atoll, husband. (Malay). Ring-shaped coral island. Dictionary Ushakova. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

ATOLL, ah, husband. Ring-shaped coral island. | adj. atoll, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Husband. coral island with an open ring; an annular, lagoon ridge, an island, gradually carved out by the smallest skull-dwellers, with a lake or lagoon in the middle (the lagoon can be converted into a Russian lagoon). Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary. IN AND. Dal... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

- [Malay adol closed] coral island in the form of a narrow circular ridge of reef limestone (coral barrier) enclosing inner lagoon. The outer slope is steep (about 45-60°), sometimes even overhanging. On the inside of the ring it is often... ... Geological encyclopedia

Books

Starfish Atoll, A. Nasibov, Starfish Atoll… Category:

Separated by straits. These straits connect the ocean to the lagoon. If there are no straits, then the land forms a continuous ring, in which case the water in the lagoon may be less salty than in the ocean. A rise on the ocean floor is usually shaped like a cone, formed by an extinct volcano.

A typical atoll consists of three parts: the outer reef slope, the reef platform and the lagoon. The height of the atoll usually does not exceed 3-4 meters above mean ocean level. Atolls can have a variety of configurations and sizes. One of the largest atolls on Earth - Kwajelein (Menshikova) in the Marshall Islands archipelago - reaches 2336 km², of which 92% is a lagoon stretching for 300 km. The total area of the 92 islands of this atoll is 14.5 km². Another large atoll, Rangiroa (Rangiroi) in the Tuamotu archipelago, covers 1639 km², and its 241 islets occupy 43 km². The coral reefs of such large atolls frame a rise on the ocean floor, which is a volcanic plateau, and not the cone of a separate volcano. With the exception of small atolls, the area of reefs usually accounts for a few percent of the area of the atolls themselves, while the land area often accounts for only a fraction of a percent. In the case of the small Pangelaya Atoll, reefs and land account for 3 of the 4 km² of the atoll area.

Atolls are usually formed by overgrowing a volcanic island with a coral reef, forming a ring belt. This is often accompanied by the immersion of the volcanic base under water; if such immersion does not occur, then a nuclear atoll is formed with volcanic island inside the lagoon. A slight decrease in water level (or a rise in the tectonic basis of the atoll) leads to the transformation of a coral reef into an atoll. Further uplift of land may result in the formation of an uplifted atoll. If the atoll is submerged under water, then an underwater bank (that is, a sandbank) is formed, which can be called a submerged atoll.

Illustrations

Literature

Ignatiev G.M. Tropical Islands of the Pacific Ocean. Moscow, Mysl Publishing House, 1978, 270 p.
Scott G. A. J., Rotondo G. M. "A model for the development of types of atolls and volcanic islands on the Pacific lithospheric plate". USA, Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1983.
Rapaport Moshe. “Population pressure on cowl atolls: trends and approaching limits.” USA, Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1990.

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See what “Coral Atoll” is in other dictionaries:

Atoll Atoll is a coral island that looks like a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding a lagoon. Atholl (Scotland) historical region in the center of Scotland, in the mountains north of Perthshire ... Wikipedia

A ring-shaped coral reef surrounding the water area. Coral reefs are distributed in tropical and subtropical latitudes, most widely in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The word atoll comes from the name used among the peoples... ... Collier's Encyclopedia

Coral island, reef Dictionary of Russian synonyms. atoll noun, number of synonyms: 9 bikini (5) ... Synonym dictionary

ATOLL, atoll, husband. (Malay). Ring-shaped coral island. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

ATOLL, ah, husband. Ring-shaped coral island. | adj. atoll, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

- [Malay adol enclosed] a coral island in the form of a narrow circular ridge of reef limestone (coral barrier) enclosing an inner lagoon. The outer slope is steep (about 45-60°), sometimes even overhanging. On the inside of the ring it is often... ... Geological encyclopedia

Books

50 most beautiful islands on the planet, Anthony Mason, Dream Island - what do we mean by this concept? The simplest answer is a coral atoll in the tropics, snow-white sand beaches with the shadow of a coconut palm, the leaves of which rustle quietly under... Category: General questions Publisher:

In our minds, picturesque atolls with their turquoise lagoons and colorful reefs are closely associated with sea adventures and intense beach holiday.

For many, these strange formations are the embodiment of the dream of living on paradise island, overgrown with tall palm trees and tropical flowers. But what are atolls? geographical point vision? Where are they located and how do they appear on the surface of the oceans?

What does the word "atoll" mean?

Term "atoll" is of Maldivian origin. In the local tribal language the word Dhivehi atholhu means the administrative unit constituting the Maldives archipelago. IN English language the concept first appeared in 1625 thanks to Charles Darwin, who was closely involved in studying the structure of atolls and their distribution around the world.

Initially, the term was synonymous with a lagoon island, and later came to mean “an annular band of reef containing a lagoon.”

What is an atoll?

Today, an atoll is understood as a coral island in the form of a solid or broken ring surrounding a small body of water (lagoon). Most often, such islands are located either as an underwater mountain, which was partially washed away and submerged under water. The lagoon in this case is a volcanic crater, and the land is its rim, rising above the water.

The height of the atoll, as a rule, does not exceed 3–4 meters above sea level. If the island ring is solid, then the water in the lagoon is less salty than in the ocean. If the ring is broken, then straits appear between individual sections of the island, thanks to which salty ocean water enters the lagoon.

What does the atoll consist of?

Structurally, the atoll includes three separate parts - the outer slopes of the island, the islet itself and the lagoon. The rim of the volcano is crowned with a superstructure formed by coral polyps.

In the process of their life activity, these invertebrate creatures form large colonies, which, as they develop and increase in size, create coral reefs. The rate of rifting in atolls is sufficient to compensate for the height of the islands, which gradually decreases with erosion and subsidence mountain peak.

How are atolls formed?

According to the theory of Charles Darwin, once on the site of atolls there were volcanoes and mountains, which as a result of eruptive and other geological processes sank under water.

In the case of volcanoes, subsidence could be caused by eruptions, as a result of which the upper part of the peak collapsed under its own weight and formed a caldera. Over time, the volcanic edges were overgrown with coral reefs, forming a ring belt.

If the volcano does not completely sink under water, then a so-called nuclear atoll is formed, in the lagoon of which an island of volcanic origin remains. Due to the decline in sea level, some ring-shaped islands rise above the water and form raised atolls, which are an ordinary island (without a lagoon) with high marginal ridges along the perimeter. It's pretty a rare event, but similar atoll formations can be found in the Tonga archipelago and in southern Micronesia.

Where do atolls form?

Reef-forming corals can only exist in the warm waters of oceans and seas, so atolls are formed exclusively in tropical and subtropical latitudes. The northernmost in the world is Kure Atoll, located in the northwestern part of the Hawaiian archipelago. To the south are the Elizabeth and Middleton atoll reefs, extending into the waters of the Coral Sea.

Most of the ring-shaped islands are concentrated in the Pacific and Indian oceans - in the Maldives, Marshall and Caroline Islands, Seychelles, in the Chagos Archipelago and east of Australia. There are several small atoll groups in the Atlantic located east of Nicaragua.

Kwajalein Atoll is recognized as one of the largest atolls in the world. Marshall Islands, consisting of 92 rings. Its total area is more than 2,300 km², of which over 90% is lagoons.

Atoll

coral structure in the form of a continuous or broken ring bordering a water pool - lagoon. The ring of the atoll is formed by separate islands. Some of them have their own lagoon or are an incomplete ring that opens towards the main lagoon with a wide channel. Found only in the tropical zone. Atolls can vary in size and are usually small, but some are up to 50 km across. The underwater base of the atoll is usually the heights of the ocean floor of volcanic origin. The genesis of the atoll, according to Charles Darwin's hypothesis, is associated with the slow sinking of a tropical island surrounded by a ring of barrier coral reef, which is gradually expanding with the construction of colonial corals. According to another concept, the formation of atolls occurs as a result of a rise in the level of the World Ocean as a result of the melting of cover glaciers, and not the subsidence of the bottom, as evidenced, in his opinion, by the same depths from which coral structures begin in different atolls. Atolls are very demanding on the complex natural conditions: the temperature of air and water, the constancy of salinity and dynamics of ocean waters, their purity, etc. They are found mainly in the waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Plan and vertical section of the atoll (along line AB)

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Edited by prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

Atoll

ring-shaped coral reef surrounding the water area. Coral reefs are distributed in tropical and subtropical latitudes, most widely in the Pacific and Indian oceans. The word “atoll” comes from the name used by the peoples of Oceania for reefs that form a chain of small islands rising 4–6 m above the surface of the water. Sometimes reefs are flooded, and between their individual parts there are deep straits. Lake-like water areas inside atolls are called lagoons. Usually their depth is 18–30 m, but sometimes reaches 90 m.
Structure. The main material from which coral reefs are built is limestone, formed as a result of the accumulation of skeletons of marine animals and plants containing calcium carbonate, mainly corals and coralline algae. The islets scattered along the reefs usually consist of limestone fragments and chips - products of wave activity. Often small dunes are formed from this material under the influence of wind. The outer coast of most atoll islands is a fairly narrow strip of fringing reefs, often with a smooth border of massive pink calcareous algae and steep, narrow beaches composed of limestone fragments. Behind the coastal bank of the beach, coarse material is replaced by crushed stone, which is then replaced by gravel as it is crushed. In the center of the island there is often a depression filled with saline soil stained with humus. The interior of the islet is usually composed of coarse coral sand or fine gravel, while the central sections of the beach are made of fine calcareous sand. If the atoll is completely raised above sea level, then the limestones composing it usually weather and form a rough surface - “makatea”. The groundwater level there is very close, and small wells are often dug near the center of the islands. If the island is large or receives a lot of rainfall, then the groundwater is almost fresh, but if it is small or located in an area with little rainfall, then the groundwater is brackish or saline.
Flora. Vegetation cover is the most notable characteristic of the surface of atolls. It is sparse and most often consists of several species of widespread herbaceous plants and tree species that live in the coastal zone. There is a certain zoning in the distribution of vegetation in the direction from the outer edge of the atoll to the inner. It can be described in general terms for the entire Indo-Pacific region, where the atolls are especially numerous and their flora is of the same type. The outer zone is represented by shrubs, among which Scaevola fruticosa predominates ( Scaevola frutescens). This is followed by forests, mainly of halophytes such as Messerschmidia silver ( Messerschmidia argenta) and roofing pandanus ( Pandanus tectorius). Even further from the coast there are fewer halophytes, and cordia appears ( Cordia), Pisonia major ( Pisonia grandis), ochrosia ( Ochrosia) and other types. In the center, under more mesophytic conditions, the primary vegetation cover probably consisted of trees such as the magnificent hetard ( Guettarda speciosa), hibiscus lindenum ( Hibiscus tiliacens), ficus, pisonia, pandanus, Barringtonia asiatica ( Barringtonia asiatica), terminalia ( Terminalia) etc. On most islands, these forests were subsequently replaced by plantations of coconut palms and breadfruit. The inner zone of the beaches is characterized by a narrow strip of trees such as hernandia, calophyllum, pandanus, thespesia, and cordia. On the sandy spits between the islands, suriana maritaria ( Suriana maritima) and scevola, and on rocky outcrops - sour pemphis ( Pemphis acidula). In some places, in the inner parts of the islands there are waterlogged depressions, and in some of them they are confined to hard rocks. In such conditions, some tree species typical of mangrove swamps occur. Other islets are swampy and treeless, dominated by grasses and sedges. On inhabited islands, soil is removed from these depressions and filled with humus, and then used to grow taro, sugar cane and other plants. Due to the salinity of the soil, few (with the exception of those listed above) cultivated plants can grow on low coral islands. Taro, breadfruit and coconuts are the main food of the population, in addition, coconuts are a source of drinking water.
Other natural resources. The vast majority of atolls are inhabited, and crop production there depends on the potential fertility of nutrient-poor, saline soils. The main crop is coconuts. Along with the above plants, the basis of the population’s diet is fish and shellfish, which abound in lagoons, reefs and adjacent open water areas. Trade items also include guano, pearls, shells for making buttons and dried sea cucumbers.
Large atolls that rise above sea level are the most fertile, especially if they are located in very humid areas. They have much lush vegetation, richer flora and a much more diverse range of crops. Apparently, all this is associated with lower soil salinity. Large deposits of phosphorites (probably formed from ancient guano deposits) are often found on raised atolls. These atolls include the islands of Makatea, Nauru, Ocean, and Angaur. Guano deposits on many atoll islands were formed as a result of the activity of seabirds - gannets, frigatebirds, terns and tropical birds, which breed here. Apart from the listed birds and land crabs, including the palm thief, the terrestrial fauna is poor: rats dominate, and fruit bats (fruit bats) are numerous in the western Pacific Ocean. The waters abound with turtles, lobsters, giant bivalves, and many species of fish. The rich reef fauna includes many species of invertebrates.
Famous atolls. The largest groups of atolls in the Indian Ocean are the Maldives and Laccadive Islands; in the Pacific Ocean - the Caroline, Marshall, Gilbert Islands in Micronesia, Tuamotu and others in Polynesia; a large number of atolls are scattered throughout Melanesia. In the Atlantic Ocean there are several atolls in the Lesser Antilles group, in addition, the Bahamas include a number of atypical atolls. The largest atoll in area (with a relatively small lagoon in the center) is Rozhdestva Island in the equatorial part of the Pacific Ocean. The largest lagoon is apparently located on Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Islands), although lagoons of almost the same size are found on some other atolls. see also Coral reefs .
LITERATURE
Ravikovich A.I. Modern and fossil reefs. M., 1954
Geography of the atolls of the southwest Pacific Ocean. M., 1973

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

Synonyms:

See what “atoll” is in other dictionaries:

Modern encyclopedia

Coral island, reef Dictionary of Russian synonyms. atoll noun, number of synonyms: 9 bikini (5) ... Synonym dictionary

ATOLL, atoll, husband. (Malay). Ring-shaped coral island. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

ATOLL, ah, husband. Ring-shaped coral island. | adj. atoll, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

The Maldives is a unique creation of nature and amazing tourist site. Located in the Indian Ocean near India, the state is a Muslim republic. At the same time, respect for tourists is so strong that the main Christian holidays are given due attention. The Republic of Maldives consists of several atolls, which in turn include numerous islands. Only 10 groups of atolls out of 20 are open to tourists. Moreover, almost every hotel in the Maldives occupies a separate island, which gives tourists a feeling of peace and serenity. However, for fans active rest there is something to do - there are plenty of opportunities for this on the islands, including diving, for which it is Island state visited by divers from all over the world. Despite all the exoticism, holidays in the Maldives are different the highest level service.

The material on Turister.ru will talk about the structure Republic of Maldives- atolls and islands with their descriptions and detailed information. You can also study detailed atoll maps : , , And .

Kaafu Atoll (North Male)

Kaafu Atoll (South Male)

The atoll is divided from North Male by the Vadhoo Strait and extends from west to east for 19 km and from north to south for 36 km. Only three islands of the pearl chain are occupied by local aborigines, the remaining 19 paradises turned into resorts and delight travelers from all over the world with gentle lagoons and marvelous beaches.

South Male is possible.

Vaavu Atoll

Alternative title: Felidhu

Located 65 km from the capital Maldives- Male (90 minutes by speedboat or 5 hours by regular boat). The atoll is an interesting geographical phenomenon, as it consists of two atolls: the main Vavu and a round one, 9 kilometers in diameter, located next to the main atoll. Five inhabited islands with a population of about 2,300 people, make Vaavu Atoll the smallest administratively in the Maldives. Besides these five, there are about 14 other islands, but most of them are almost unexplored by tourists compared to the islands of other atolls. Vaavu Atoll is considered one of the best places for diving in the Maldives.

The Fotteyo Candu dive site is considered the best in the country and one of the top five in the world. Vaavu Atoll was opened to tourists in 1975, and has become a favorite among many organizers of various cruises and safaris in the Maldives. The reefs on the eastern side of the atoll are in pristine condition and are perfect for lovers of not only diving, but also snorkeling. There are a lot of sharks here, and there is a chance to see hammerhead fish and other equally interesting fish.

Look detailed map atoll and read about tourist islands Vaavu can.

Meemu Atoll

Alternative title: Mulaku

The atoll stretches 50 kilometers from north to south and 30 kilometers in width, housing eight fishing islands and two resort islands. There are excellent places for relaxation and diving here, as confirmed by numerous cruises.

View a detailed map of the atoll and read about tourist islands I guess it's possible.

Seenu Atoll

Alternative title: Addu

The southernmost atoll is located right at the equator, stretching 15 km from north to south and 18 km from west to east. It consists of 5 islands: northern Midu and western Hithadhoo, Gan, Feydhoo and Maradu, united by bridges. An airport and resort hotel, and the large Hithadhoo ranks 2nd in population after Male - 12,000 inhabitants. Green and pretty Feidu and Maradu rustle with coconut palm plantations; nature has endowed them with small coves where fishing villages have settled. A pleasant surprise awaits hotel guests in Ghana - at any time they will be able to visit the nearby islands and get acquainted with the life of the local aborigines.

View a detailed map of the atoll and read about tourist islands Seen is possible.

Faafu Atoll

Alternative title: Nilandhe North (Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi)

A small atoll, has an oval shape and the second name is North Nilande. It stretches 21 km from west to east and 45 km from north to south, containing five fishing islands and only one resort island, which was recently opened to travelers.

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Dhaalu Atoll

Alternative title: Nilandhe South (Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi)

Dhaalu Atoll is located 150 km north of Male and 5 km from Faafu Atoll. It is also known as Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi (South Niladhe Atoll). It is separated from North Nilade (Faafu Atoll) by the Deburiiterey Kandu Strait. The airport and other atolls can be reached by seaplane or speedboat.

Dhaalu Atoll, 38 km long and 23 km wide, has about 46 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The seaplane transfer takes 40 minutes. Dhaalu Atoll was recently opened for tourism. The islands, open to tourists, are located in the northern part of the atoll and provide excellent diving opportunities. The main island is Kudahuvadhoo Island. It's pretty big Island with developed infrastructure and a population of 1,500 people.

The main reefs, interesting and accessible for diving, are located along the northern and northeastern parts of the islands. There are practically no shallow reefs inside the atoll.

The lagoon, which is relatively clear of coral thickets, allows you to safely go on a tour of the islands by boat. Dhaalu Atoll still preserves the ruins of ancient monasteries and mosques. On the islands where the indigenous population lives, souvenirs are much cheaper than in the capital.

View a detailed map of the atoll and read about tourist islands Dhaal is possible.

Alif Atoll

Alternative title: Ari, also the northern and southern parts are called Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal

The atoll stretches for 33 km from west to east and 96 km from north to south. The atoll is divided into two honors: Alif Alif (northern) and Alif Daal (southern). In the northern part, in addition to the main atoll, there is a small atoll called Radsu, and in the southern part is the capital Mahibadhu. The atoll includes 70 islands, but only 18 of them are inhabited, and 25 have been turned into resorts. Once upon a time, local aborigines hunted for sharks and turtles, but since sea hunting is banned, they are busy servicing tourist hotels.

Baa Atoll

Alternative title: Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi

It is an administrative division of the Republic of Maldives, together with Horseborough Atoll, and has its capital at Eidafushi. The atoll stretches 32 km from west to east and 42 km from north to south and includes 10 inhabited islands. Local aborigines make a living by fishing, while at the same time mastering more profitable tourism professions. The underwater world is amazingly diverse and surprising most interesting places for diving. Marvelous corals, still untouched by divers, as well as dozens of species of fish await ocean treasure hunters!

Lhaviyani Atoll

Alternative title: Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi

The atoll is 120 km away from the Maldivian capital, and therefore travelers fly to relax by seaplane. The atoll stretches for 35 km from north to south and 37 km from west to east. Food and goods are brought here by dhoni, which takes 8 hours to travel such a considerable distance. Fadiffolu contains 6 fishing and 4 resort islands.

View a detailed map of the atoll and read about tourist islands Lhaviyani is possible.