Pseudo-atoll Pseudo-atoll A pseudo-atoll, like an atoll, is an island that encircles a lagoon, either partially or completely. A pseudo-atoll differs from an atoll as established by several authorities, such as how it is formed (not by subsidence, nor by coral). It is considered a preferable term to "near-atoll". There is a need for rigorous definition of "pseudo-atoll" before it can be accepted as a general term. Alexander Agassiz gave the term pseudo-atoll to "any ring-shaped reefs not formed as a result of subsidence". while Norman D. Newell and J. Keith Rigby called such reefs non-coral. and "We conclude that almost-atoll
Gaafaru (Kaafu Atoll) Gaafaru (Kaafu Atoll) Gaafaru (Dhivehi: ގާފަރު) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll, the only island of the natural atoll known as Gaafaru. The island is north of the country's capital, Malé. Gahaafaru or Gaafaru (Northern Reef) is a large elliptical reef with only a small inhabited island at its eastern end. This reef has proved disastrous to many vessels. Gaafaru reef is as much a separate atoll as Goifulhafehendhu Atoll or Rasdhukuramathi Atoll which are similar in structure and size. It is separated from Kagi (the northern most island of North Malé Atoll) by a narrow but