Coral Reefs Off Pulau Jambongan, Sabah, East Malaysia
22 May 2007

Note: The area of coverage in this IKONOS image is approximately 4 km x 4 km.
The reduced resolution image on display has undergone compression and so does not represent the true resolution of the original satellite image.

Several fan-shaped coral reefs extend out into the waters of the Sulu Sea from the east coast of the Jambongan Island, which is located a short distance below the northernmost point in Sabah. This IKONOS image details two of the reefs. The reefs grow bigger away from the coast, their sides are steep, and individual toes build into deeper water. Sand has been deposited on top of corals. Curved spit-like forms, resembling spines, extend over the high parts of the reef, but generally remain submerged under very shallow water. One of these features emerges from under water behind a pier. The brightness of the exposed top suggests presence of lime sand, a feature shared with the narrow local beaches. A small settlement is visible behind one such beach with well-organized houses, streets, and boats moored off the beach and near the pier.