Marpi Reef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marpi Reef |
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 Location in Pacific Ocean
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| Location | Northern Mariana Islands, United States |
| Coordinates | 15°25′30″N 145°51′00″E / 15.425°N 145.85°E |
Marpi Reef, also known as Marpi Bank, is like a secret underwater mountain! It's a narrow seamount located about 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of Saipan. Saipan is one of the beautiful Northern Mariana Islands.
This hidden reef stretches for about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) wide. Its highest point is about 53 meters (174 feet) below the surface of the ocean. This depth is sometimes described as 26 fathoms, which is an old way to measure water depth.
What is Marpi Reef?
Marpi Reef is a special kind of underwater mountain called a seamount. Seamounts are usually formed by volcanoes, but they don't reach the ocean surface. They stay hidden beneath the waves. Marpi Reef is similar in shape and direction to another reef called Tatsumi Reef, which is south of Tinian. Both reefs point from the northeast to the southwest.
Home to Amazing Sea Creatures
Marpi Reef is an important spot for fishing in its region. It's also a busy highway for many amazing sea creatures! Different types of cetaceans, which are a group of marine mammals that includes whales and dolphins, travel through and live in these waters. You might even spot giant humpback whales swimming around Marpi Reef. These animals use the reef's rich waters for feeding and as part of their long journeys across the ocean.
