ROBERT ^ ^ 
^ '^TANDEN 
Hull Atoll cont. 
Draft 
p. 2 
Around the entire atoll is a ridge of coral debris 
some 20 feet high. Its crest usually forrrtf the high- 
point on the island profile. In some cases there 
may be a good size depression b ehind the ridge before 
one reaches the lagoon shore. These lower areas 
seem to have more available 
water, better developed soil and a thicker ground 
cover. Several of these spots seem to be favorite 
nesting sites for Sooty Terns despite^ occasional 
high bushes. 
The westerammost island was the site of the native 
village and also where the coconut palms were plamted 
The palms seem to have done well an in time opened 
up a whole new environment for plants on the ground 
beneath. Some plants have probably been shaded out 
but other small grasses thrive in the cool shady 
A 
areas beneath the palms. 
Taro appears to have been grown in rock lined 
pits about 15 feet deep where fresh water may have 
pi fa 
seeped in. Several of these^can be found NE of the 
village • * 
On the lagoon side of the islands are commonly 
found large areas that have been flooded at one time 
or another* Drainage lines are evident and /^ eir 
source may be found in low barren mud-flats 
n/^/z^K/ behind the ridge on the seaward side of 
the island. The drainage ways are usually wide 
and covered with sand and silt. In other 
places ponds are formed where the land surface is 
low enough to perm/^it salt water seepage. 
■ m < m m » w< l gw* < ,uwu 
