Tsunami Survey Expedition: Preliminary Investigation of Maldivian Coral Reefs Two Weeks After the Event |
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Authors: | Stefano Goffredo Corrado Piccinetti Francesco Zaccanti |
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Institution: | (1) Marine Science Group, Department of Evolutionary and Experimental Biology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via F. Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy;(2) Laboratory of Fisheries and Marine Biology at Fano, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy |
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Abstract: | On December 26th 2004, a earthquake west of Sumatra generated a devastating tsunami. Hundreds of thousands of people fell
victim. Economic losses were greatest in those countries dependant on tourism. The impact in the Maldives on persons and things
was modest. Immediately following the event and notwithstanding the lack of scientific data, the mass media gave catastrophic
reports on the state of coral reefs in the area. This paper reports on the first survey on coral reefs in the Maldives after
the Tsunami. Ocean walls, passes, inner reefs, and shoals in the North and South Malé atolls, were surveyed two weeks after
the event. Significant damage was recorded in the passes in the South Malé atoll. Our observations showed that the damage
was more or less extensive depending on latitude and topography. Sri Lanka may have broken the wave’s rush, reducing the extent
of the impact on northern atolls. The water’s acceleration inside the passes was so intense as to cause reef collapses. The
observed damage represents a minimum fraction of the entire coral reef system. Tourist perception of the area seems unchanged.
These data may be used to disseminate correct information about the state of Maldives coral reefs, which would be useful in
relaunching local economy. |
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Keywords: | Tsunami Maldives Maldivian Coral Reefs Tsunami impact Mass media behaviour Tourism industry Local economy Coral reefs survey |
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