Province
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Eastren Province Driving
| In a part of the world that should be too hot, too salty, and churned by shipping, is a remarkable oasis of aquatic life |
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32km off the Saudi city of Jubail lies a chain of five coral atolls. Harqus, Karan, Kurayn, Jana and Jurayd. These tiny islands were formed when sand built up on a submerged coral reef until it broke the surface of the sea.
The islands have a maximum elevation of 3m above high tide, and support a unique ecosystem, despite harsh conditions not normally conducive to the life forms that have developed there over the years. Technically, coral shouldn't be able to survive, much less flourish as it does here.
Compared to the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf is shallow, averaging only 35m deep. Because it is in one of the hottest regions in the world, its waters evaporate faster than the few entering rivers can replenish it. This gives it a high salt concentration. Some parts of the gulf are five times more saline than open oceans.
Because of the shallowness of the water, there are big temperature fluctuations: from 10C in winter to 38C in summer. Normally, reef-building corals can live only within a range of 20-32C.
The Gulf islands are far enough offshore to be surrounded by relatively deep water, and washed by constant currents. These two factors slightly redress the large fluctuation in temperatures, and the salinity found in Saudi's very shallow, almost stagnant coastal waters.
The Islands are about an hour by boat from Jubail. The water is remarkable, and the coral extensive and colorful. The fish life at Karan is also rich, with shoals of sweetlips and angelfish swimming together. Parrotfish, stingrays lobsters, octopi have all been seen here.
The islands are also a protected breeding ground for turtles. It's necessary to have permission to visit the islands during the breeding season as the coast guard patrol the area during that time. |
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