Aquarius Reef Base

Aquarius Reef Base

The Aquarius Reef Base is an underwater habitat located 5.4 mi (8.7 km) off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida, United States. It is the world's only undersea research laboratory and it is operated by Florida International University. It is deployed on the ocean floor 62 ft (19 m) below the surface and next to a deep coral reef named Conch Reef.

Reef

A reef is a ridge or shoal of rock, coral, or similar relatively stable material lying beneath the surface of a natural body of water. Many reefs result from natural, abiotic (non-living) processes such as deposition of sand or wave erosion planing down rock outcrops. However, reefs such as the coral reefs of tropical waters are formed by biotic (living) processes, dominated by corals and coralline algae. Artificial reefs, such as shipwrecks and other man-made underwater structures, may occur intentionally or as the result of an accident. These are sometimes designed to increase the physical complexity of featureless sand bottoms to attract a more diverse range of organisms. They provide shelter to various aquatic animals which help prevent extinction. Another reason reefs are put in place is for aquaculture, and fish farmers who are looking to improve their businesses sometimes invest in them. Reefs are often quite near to the surface, but not all definitions require this.

reef

Noun

1. A chain or range of rocks, sand, or coral lying at or near the surface of the water.
2. A large vein of auriferous quartz; hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore.

Noun

1. A portion of a sail rolled and tied down to lessen the area exposed in a high wind.
2. A reef knot.

base

Noun

1. Something from which other things extend; a foundation.

Verb

1. To give as its foundation or starting point; to lay the foundation of.
2. To be located (at a particular place).