Maldives

Abstract

Located in the central Indian Ocean the Maldives is one of the largest and most geologically complex mid-ocean atoll chains in the world. The archipelago possesses high biological diversity, a unique geological history, and contains a diverse range of reef structures and atoll types. The reefs are also host to a large number of vegetated reef islands. However, despite the aerial extent and unique aspects of reef and island diversity, structure and evolution, the Maldives remain one of the least studied reef systems in the world.