Page 9 - AHATA

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local Saturday 1 March 2025

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

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve faculty at the University of
been to the northern coast Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio
of Aruba already, you’ve Rovere from the Ca' Fosc-
probably noticed how the ari University of Venice and
ground differs entirely from Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scic-
the sandy beaches on the chitano, from the University
southern part of the island. of Bari Aldo Moro, present-
These hard surfaces, with ed their research on these
sharp bumps and holes fossilized coral reefs at the
are actually fossilized coral University of Aruba. Their
reefs, of which its growth focus for their research in-
and changes can be cluded studying the health
traced back to the last gla- and formation patterns of
cial period. these coral reefs, and to
investigate how these reefs
On May 30 2023, geosci- have responded and can
entists, Dr. Patrick Boyden respond to fluctuating sea
from the Marum research levels or extreme weather,
like hurricanes and tsuna- These findings can certainly This research is also im-
mis. put things into perspective. portant for the future of
The ground on which we coral reefs on the island.
Through underwater and have walked many times By studying rising sea lev-
land surveillance, and 3D in the northern part of the els and climate impact on
models of the reefs, they island hold such rich history, these coral reefs, we are
were able to narrow down history that dates back to able to take concrete ac-
when these formations a time that most of us can- tion in protecting and pre-
started to take place. They not even imagine. As the serving our coral reefs. So, if
were also able to track the scientists themselves have you are ever visiting one of
fluctuation of sea levels pointed out, these fossilized the bocas or driving along
during the past hundred or reefs on the windward side the northern part of the is-
even thousands of years, are truly an incredible and land, please be conscious
and the effects that this rare remnant of geologi- to help protect our natu-
fluctuation has had on the cal history, as they provide ral historical remnant. Oh,
coral reefs of the windward a clear view of how these and wear (coral-friendly)
side of Aruba. reefs have formed. sunscreen!q

Feeling parched? Grab refreshment by the side of the road!

(Oranjestad)—Touring the island in the blis-
tering heat can leave one feeling rather
thirsty and looking to cool off. Luckily there
are a few stands along the roads of Aruba
that can offer you just what you need: a
nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at
several locations on the island, where you
can cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks,
snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Per-
fect during family outings around the island,
these stands can be found in the following
locations:
- Near the red Anchor in San Nicolas
- On the Linear Park in Oranjestad (in
front of airport runway)
- At the California Light House hill
- Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruin
- Bushiribana Beach (Near the Ling &
Song Supermarket)