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13/12/2007: "HEALTHY CORALS EXAMPLE ...... Snorkel diver near surface"
Special effects applied here. A section enlarged from an original 35mm film frame.
One of the 'gutters' on the leeward side of Great Detached Reef. Heavy surf breaks across the reef on the weather side. The surf and resulting strong currents forms gutters on the lagoon side of the reef where this picture was made.
The gutters eventually smooth away as water depth increases to about 8 meters, and a sandy lagoon floor begins.
Most tourist divers are shown spots in the sandy lagoons where coral colonies aka bommies are located.
Diving on the weather-side of reefs presents problems for dive guides with strong currents, deep water and difficult anchorages. Yet this is where all true adventures exists, plus the hazards.
