Primary production of an atoll in the Laccadives

Abstract

According to YONGE (1960) "an atoll raised to the surface in the midst of oceanic waters may be described as a large scale experiment in nature". Earlier studies have contributed to an understanding of primary production of atolls and coral reefs of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans (SARGENTan d AUSTIN, 1949, 1954; ODUMa nd ODUM1, 955; KOHNa nd HELBRICH1, 957; ODUMB, URKHOLDER and RIVERO1, 959 ; GORDOaNn d KELLY1, 962). Comparable information on the atolls of the Indian Ocean has been completely lacking. Since GARDINER (1903-1906) published his classical work on the Maldive and Laccadive Archipelagoes, practically no knowledge has been added to the atolls of the Laccadives