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The Maldives is an archipelago of
about 1190 islands grouped into natural coral atolls.
One would expect the Indian Ocean, like any of the other oceans
of the world to have its share of storms, waves and other
phenomena related to large bodies of water. The Indian Ocean
does fulfill this expectation till one begins to approach any of
the coral atolls right in the middle of it.
An atoll is best visualized as a series of concentric layers.
The outermost layer of the atoll is a strong reef. Composed of
coral debris and living and living coral, this reef is a
formidable barrier against rough seas. Once you gain access into
the calm waters within, one is within the lagoon of the atoll
proper.
The islands of the atoll follow the outer reef. Sometimes an
occasional island juts up from inside the lagoon.
Each island has its own fringing reef. This adds to the
protection. The water within this reef is often quite shallow.
That aquamarine halo around the island in your picture postcard
is this.
Even though the islands of the Maldives are well sheltered from
oceanic waves, the ocean plays a major role in the climate of
the country. It acts as a heat buffer, storing and giving up
heat at a much slower rate than solid ground. Temperatures
usually fluctuate between 23°C and maximum 32°C. There is always
a cooling breeze blowing in from the sea.
The Maldives straddles the equator and lies outside the Indian
Ocean cyclone belt.
Some people find the Maldivian climate monotonous. Length of the
day never varies. Normally in June and July the southwest
monsoon is said to bring rain. In reality, it can rain at any
time.
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