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Corals and Coral Islands

This book delves into the fascinating world of corals and the unique islands formed by their growth. It examines the biodiversity, ecological importance, and challenges facing these delicate ecosystems. more

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James Dwight Dana
James Dwight Dana

James Dwight Dana was a prominent geologist, born on February 12, 1813, and died on April 14, 1895. He made significant contributions to the field of geology, particularly in the areas of petrology and mineralogy. more

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“For nine miles along a submerged ridge, the corals rise in lumpy hillocks that spread out 100 yards or more, resembling heaped scoops of rainbow sherbet and Neapolitan ice cream. The mounds, some 100 feet tall, sprout delicate treelike gorgonians that sift currents for a plankton meal. Fish, worms and other creatures dart or crawl in every crevice. This description could apply to thousands of coral reefs in shallow, sun-streaked tropical waters from Australia to the Bahamas. But this is the Sula Ridge, 1,000 feet down in frigid darkness on the continental shelf 100 miles off Norway's coast.”

“Most agreeable are the memories of events and labours, connected with the cruise:- of companions in travel, ... of coral islands with their groves, and beautiful life, above and below the waters, ... of lofty precipices, richly draped, even the sternest fronts made to smile and be glad, as delights the gay tropics, and alive with waterfalls, gliding, leaping, or plunging, on their way down from the giddy heights, and, as they go, playing out and in amid the foliage...”