The Atoll: Atolls are modified horseshoe-shaped reefs that rise out of very deep water far from land and enclose a shallow lagoon. Charles Darwin is most notable for theorizing about the origin of life, however, he also theorized about the origin of Atolls. Darwin theorized that atolls are created when fringing reefs begin to grow on the shores of newly formed volcanic islands. After millions of years, these islands begin to sink under their own weight; so the reef is able to keep up with the slow shrinking of the volcano. In 1953, technology caught up to Darwins theory and Scientists drilled 1,283m into reef limestone at Eniwetok Atoll, Marshal Islands. There, they hit volcanic rock, this was evidence that Darwins theory was substantially correct.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 00:58:22 +0000
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