As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
(Image credit: NASA/ISS program)
FAST FACTS
Where is it? Rowley Shoals, Australia [-17.32117355, 119.26473330]
What’s in the picture? From delegated right; Imperieuse Reef, Clerke Reef and Mermaid Reef
Who took the picture? An unnamed astronaut on board the International Space Station
When was it taken? Oct. 18, 2011
This striking astronaut image reveals a special chain of 3 atolls lined up side-by-side off the coast of Australia. The oval islands were when part of an enormous coral system that measured up to the Excellent Barrier Reef
The trio of islands comprises Rowley Shoals, an unoccupied Australian area situated in the Timor Sea around 180 miles (290 kilometers) off the coast of Western Australia. From southwest to northeast (delegated right), the islands are called Imperieuse Reef, Clerke Reef and Mermaid Reef.
The egg-shaped structures are all atolls– rings of land constructed from fringing reef that as soon as circled around an island that has actually consequently sunk below the waves. These atolls are equally spaced out into a near-perfect straight line covering approximately 60 miles (100 km) from end to end, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory
Each island has an area of around 30 square miles (80 square km). Just Imperieuse Reef and Clerke Reef have white sandy islets, or cays, that stay above water. Imperieuse Reef likewise has the only long-term human-made structure in Rowley Shoals– a lighthouse.
The atolls rest on among the biggest continental racks in the world. Around 10 million years back, this location was home to an enormous barrier reef system covering more than 1,250 miles (2,000 km), which later on fell under the sea due to tectonic subduction
The atolls are thought to be a few of the last residues of this lost community, in addition to Ningaloo Reef, the Ashmore and Cartier Islands and the Scott and Seringapatam Reefs, according to a research study released in February 2025
Related: See all the very best pictures of Earth from area
Get the world’s most remarkable discoveries provided directly to your inbox.
Tourist to Rowley Shoals is now primarily restricted to diving following years of mismanagement. (Image credit: Explore Parks WA)
The cumulative environments of Rowley Shoals experienced an enormous decrease in the 1970s when the islands ended up being popular with travelers and began hosting deep-sea fishing explorations.
As an outcome, the location is now secured by 2 marine reserves: Rowley Shoals Marine Parkwhich includes Imperieuse Reef and Clerke Reef; and Mermaid Reef Marine Parkwhich secures Mermaid Reef and its surrounding waters. This has actually assisted the particular communities to recuperate to pre-tourism levels.
Today, the atolls are home to a wide array of marine life, consisting of sea turtles, reef sharks and huge clams, in addition to around 900 other types of fish, mollusks and corals, according to the Atlas of Living Australia
Rowley Shoals is presently noted as one of the very best locations to go diving in Australia, beyond the Great Barrier Reef, according to the Specialist Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)The atolls’ diving season is restricted to in between September and December to assist reduce the effects of these visitors.
Harry is a U.K.-based senior personnel author at Live Science. He studied marine biology at the University of Exeter before training to end up being a reporter. He covers a wide variety of subjects consisting of area expedition, planetary science, area weather condition, environment modification, animal habits and paleontology. His current deal with the solar optimum won “best space submission” at the 2024 Aerospace Media Awards and was shortlisted in the “top scoop” classification at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence in 2023. He likewise composes Live Science’s weekly Earth from area series.
Find out more
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
