NASA. Magnificent view of the "Al Wadj Bank" coral reef off - Lot 268

NASA. Magnificent view of the "Al Wadj Bank" coral reef off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has the richest coral reefs of any country in the Middle East, as it includes the coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. This photograph covers the area along the northern coast of the Red Sea. Despite the relatively high salinity of the water in the Red Sea (compared with other oceans), some 260 species of coral are found here, according to scientists. Large stretches of the Saudi coast are undeveloped, and the reefs in these areas are generally in good ecological health. However, reefs near major urban centers such as Jeddeh have suffered degradation due to land reclamation, pollution and increased terrigenous sediment input. 2007. Vintage chromogenic print. Numbering in the margin on the front. References on label on back. 20.4 x 25.4CM with margins.