If you’re in any way intrigued by the ocean, this post is for you. Specific reference will be made to the Indian Ocean. This Ocean is named after India, and is referred to as Ratnākara in Sanskrit literature. There is quite a lot to be said about (any) ocean. However, let’s dwell on ocean reefs.

The other day we took that literal journey into the Indian Ocean. I know no one disagrees that the Ocean is no one’s mother ;). Still, it has been said that only about 5 percent of the ocean has been explored! Granted, new things are certain to get discovered all the time. Ironic, since the ocean has often been dubbed “the Lifeblood of Earth.”

The Indian Ocean reef

You most likely know about Darwin’s theory of Evolution. There are many other theories that have been attributed to the philosopher. One of them is a theory explaining the formation of reefs. He thought about it during the voyage of Beagle. That was an interesting cruise that involved sailing across most of the world’s oceans. Sounds like something you’d love to do?

According to the theory coined by Darwin, there is, at first, a volcanic island that becomes extinct over time. In case it isn’t clear, the volcano is found in the ocean. A fringing ocean reef then forms from coral growth. This process is as a result of subsided ocean and island floors. Most often than not, the fringing reef causes a shallow lagoon between the beach (land) and the main reef.

 

The subsidence continues, forming an even larger barrier reef – emphasis on barrier. This is essentially why you don’t see sharks as you swim near the beach. The distance from the shore also, ideally, increases over time – insistence on ideally. Global warming has brought about very many changes, the ocean notwithstanding.

Eventually, the (volcanic) island sinks below the ocean. The barrier ocean reef is now referred to as an atoll. The remains of the original volcano is found underneath each lagoon, and creates a bed rock base.

Literal walk into the ocean

There is so much that can be said about reefs. Nonetheless, there is truly so much unexplainable power in the ocean. I was deeply awed by this “reefy” thing – I’m sorry 😀 – , and I’m still trying to understand the depth 😛 Hope this post will stir your curiosity, and that you will think about the ocean much differently now. Even much better, try appreciating the differences that exist between and among the oceans.

In Kenya, for instance, during low tides one may walk almost 4 kilometers into the ocean. That does not happen in every country. If you haven’t already experienced that, you are missing out. It is especially exciting with a guide. Anyone else wonders how much locals (fishermen) understand the ocean?

If in Mombasa, check out the Kikambala beach any time before 11 p.m. Beaches at Watamu are also great for this since then you have access to the love island. However, the Kikambala one is perfect for experiencing the ocean reef phenomenon upclose.

Check out some of the stuff we saw as we made that literal journey into the ocean.

Would definitely appreciate more insight on this subject.

Share with someone who’s even a tad bit curious about the ocean, geography or anything really J

Cheers to the unknown!