Coral Reefs, Kangean Archipelago, Bali Sea, Indonesia
10 July 2008

Note: The area of coverage in this SPOT-5 image is approximately 35 km x 35 km.
The reduced resolution image on display has undergone compression and so does not represent the true resolution of the original satellite image.

These coral islands are part of the Kangean Archipelago, north of Bali. The image includes the south islands of the group, Sepanjang being the largest. The archipelago is known for its birds, marine life and coral reefs. The reefs start very close to land but, in many instances, shallow reefs extend for a distance offshore. This is especially visible north of Sepanjang and towards the northwest of the image. In contrast, narrow reefs drop sharply off other coasts, such as south of Sepanjang. The islands are flanked by a line of beaches, bright in the sun, with dark green mangrove growing in sheltered areas. Many islands carry a forested patch, although on some of them the natural vegetation has been cleared for farming. Small settlements and short roads can be seen on several islands.