The Origin of Modern Atolls: Challenging Darwin's Deeply Ingrained Theory

Explore the evolution of atoll formation theory in this comprehensive lecture by Prof. Andre Droxler. Delve into Darwin's 1842 classification of reef types and his evolutionary model linking them. Examine the alternative antecedent karst model proposed in the 1930s, which considers the effects of subsidence and karst dissolution during glacial periods. Discover a new comprehensive model based on late Pliocene flat-topped banks and Quaternary sea-level fluctuations, challenging the influence of volcanic basements on modern atoll development. Learn about recent 3D numerical simulations that highlight the critical role of differential dissolution in atoll formation. Gain insights into the latest research challenging long-held theories about the origin of modern atolls, supported by evidence from the Maldives Archipelago, tropical Pacific, and southwest Indian Oceans.

The Origin of Modern Atolls: Challenging Darwin’s Deeply Ingrained Theory