Atafu Atoll in the Southern Pacific Ocean is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 18 crewmember on the International Space Station. At roughly eight kilometers wide, Atafu Atoll is the smallest of three atolls (with Nukunonu and Fakaofo atolls to the southeast, not shown) comprising the Tokelau Islands group located in the southern Pacific Ocean. Swains Island to the south (not shown) is also considered part of the Tokelau group. The political entity of Tokelau is currently a territory of New Zealand. In recent years, public referendums on independence within the islands have been held, but have not received sufficient support to move forward. The primary settlement on Atafu is a village located at the northwestern corner of the atoll -- indicated by an area of light gray dots in this photograph. The typical ring shape of the atoll is the result of coral reefs building up around a former volcanic island. Over geologic time, the central volcano has subsided beneath the water surface, leaving the fringing reefs and a central lagoon that contains submerged coral reefs. Erosion and soil development on the surfaces of the exposed fringing reefs has lead to formation of tan to light brown beach deposits (southern and western sides of the atoll) and green vegetation cover (northern and eastern sides of the atoll). The Tokelau Islands, including Atafu Atoll, suffered significant inundation and erosion during Tropical Cyclone Percy in 2005. The approximate elevation of Atafu Atoll is only two meters above the tidal high water level. Vulnerability to tropical cyclones and potential sea level rise makes the long-term habitability of the atoll uncertain.
Image credit: NASA
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Demetrios Georgalas aka brexians, André Dib, Mouin.M►(away), Stevey Zoom, and 6 other people added this photo to their favorites.
pixaube 46 months ago | reply
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This is a stunning image, congratulations!
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2 photo each day, Post 1: Award 5
Chipmix*** 46 months ago | reply
This is a stunning image, congratulations!
www.flickr.com/groups/natureplus/
2 photo each day, Post 1: Award 5
Rosedale Annie 46 months ago | reply
Cool. Looks rather waterlogged!
craigroyal1 46 months ago | reply
Amazing! Thanks so much for posting these wonderful images.
Mouin.M►(away) 46 months ago | reply
this is just amazing, i really love views from above
bejey 46 months ago | reply
I could not learn more than that!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Allxan. 46 months ago | reply
Congratulations, E x c e l l e n t!
EPERKE Award (Post 1: Award 5)
2 photos each day! Have a nice day!
Stevey Zoom 46 months ago | reply
excellent image my friend
Phil's Pixels 46 months ago | reply
Incredible shot. Love the info too. Wonderful!
nasieku [deleted] 46 months ago | reply
Wow!!!
Hélder Cotrim 44 months ago | reply
Down there it must be wonderful.
Fabietto76°OZ 29 months ago | reply
Wonderful!
DiamantThomy 17 months ago | reply
Nice
Unlucky_Alf [deleted] 16 months ago | reply
Great shot.
zakur2011 15 months ago | reply
Great shot!
Pablo from Argentina
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