Part of the Haa Alif administrative atoll, Ihavandhippolhu Atoll is the MALDIVES' northernmost atoll — boasting white-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue water, and oceanic biodiversity as seen in other areas of the South Asian country. Ihavandhippolhu essentially connects the Arabian Sea (west) with the Indian Ocean (east). Coral reefs built a proverbial necklace, stringing together the "pearls" of islands and small islets. Some "pearls" include Hathifushi, Huvarafushi, Ihavandhoo, Mulhadhoo, Thuraakunu, and Uligamu. GeoFact of the Day estimates Ihavandhippolhu Atoll's 2017 population to be approximately 7,075. Did You Know? The S.S. Vicissitude sailed in 1836 from Mauritius in hopes of arriving on Ceylon island (present-day Sri Lanka), but did not reach its destination as it became shipwrecked at Ihavandhippolhu Atoll. Not many historic records were kept in regards to S.S. Vicissitude, but it is believed that everyone on-board survived.
One island located in the middle of the atoll "necklace" is Manafaru — once "Under Construction" then later completed in the 2000s. The artificial island features a couple of luxury resort hotels, and it may soon be one of many man-made Maldivian islands rather than one of several. In order to combat against land loss caused by rising sea levels, the Maldives government is partnering with land-reclamation firms in hopes of constructing more artificial land — including floating islands. Manafaru serves an example of how more new islands might provide further economic benefits — all while allowing the Maldives to remain on the map. Over a dozen additional detailed maps of the Maldives can be found on the Maps of Maldives Blog (↗).
No comments:
Post a Comment