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A8 LOCAL
Saturday 18 May 2024

Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve been to the northern of Bari Aldo Moro, presented their research on
coast of Aruba already, you’ve probably no- these fossilized coral reefs at the University of
ticed how the ground differs entirely from the Aruba. Their focus for their research included
sandy beaches on the southern part of the is- studying the health and formation patterns of
land. These hard surfaces, with sharp bumps these coral reefs, and to investigate how these
and holes are actually fossilized coral reefs, of reefs have responded and can respond to fluc-
which its growth and changes can be traced tuating sea levels or extreme weather, like hur-
back to the last glacial period. ricanes and tsunamis.

On May 30 2023, geoscientists, Dr. Patrick Boy- Through underwater and land surveillance, and
den from the Marum research faculty at the Uni- 3D models of the reefs, they were able to nar-
versity of Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio Rovere from row down when these formations started to
the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Prof. take place. They were also able to track the truly an incredible and rare remnant of geologi-
dr. Gianfranco Scicchitano, from the University fluctuation of sea levels during the past hun- cal history, as they provide a clear view of how
dred or even thousands of years, and the ef- these reefs have formed.
fects that this fluctuation has had on the coral
reefs of the windward side of Aruba. This research is also important for the future of
coral reefs on the island. By studying rising sea
These findings can certainly put things into per- levels and climate impact on these coral reefs,
spective. The ground on which we have walked we are able to take concrete action in protect-
many times in the northern part of the island ing and preserving our coral reefs. So, if you are
hold such rich history, history that dates back to ever visiting one of the bocas or driving along
a time that most of us cannot even imagine. the northern part of the island, please be con-
As the scientists themselves have pointed out, scious to help protect our natural historical rem-
these fossilized reefs on the windward side are nant. Oh, and wear (coral-friendly) sunscreen!q

Aruba to Me

ORANJESTAD — You are back and we would
like to portrait you! By inviting you to send us
your favorite vacation picture while enjoying
our Happy Island.

Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is …….
Send your picture with that text (including your
name and where you are from) to: news@aru-
batoday.com and we will publish your vaca-
tion memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep
your best moments alive? Please do note: By
submitting photos, text or any other materials, For today we received a lovely message from
you give permission to The Aruba Today News- our awesome visitor Stacy Brundige, from Hoo-
paper, Caribbean Speed Printers and any of sick Falls, New York.
its affiliated companies to use said materials,
as well as names, likeness, etc. for promotional She wrote to us saying: “I recently got married
purposes without compensation. on this beautiful island (May 15th 2024). Aruba
to me is marrying my best friend!”
Last but not least: check out our website, Insta-
gram and Facebook page! Thank you for sup- Congratulations Stacy! Thank you for sending
porting our free newspaper, we strive to make us this wonderful message sharing what Aruba
you a happy reader every day again. means to you with us and our readers! q