Salt formation began 160 to 170 million years ago when salt layers were deposited in what was then a shallow sea, subject to evaporation. Sediments were continually deposited over the salt layers. Eventually, internal pressures became great enough to push isolated pockets of the salt layers up through the sediments, forcing the seafloor to bulge upward in distinct domes. The Flower Gardens coral reef community probably began developing on top of the domes 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. The community has thrived sufficiently to obscure all trace of the deformed bedrock on which it developed, forming dense coral reefs.
Yellow dots show approximate dive locations.
The expedition team will be conducting reef and fish surveys, observing the coral spawning in deep water, investigating existing and possible brine seeps, exploring underwater cliffs, and conducting research transects. Weather and logistics will determine when these activities take place, as well as their actual locations. Three small depressions are indicated, the northern depression has a known brine pool. 5X. Top of Bank approximately 20 meters deep. Bottom of Bank approximately 120 meters deep.