Gambier Islands FP
Gambier Islands FP - Image (S-08-15_2000)
Gambier Islands FP - Map Overview
Gambier Islands FP - Map Northern
Gambier Islands FP - Map Southern
Iles Gambier (23˚10'S., 134˚57'W.) lie near the E end of Iles Tuamotu. The group consist of ten islands and numerous islets enclosed by or settled on a barrier reef.
Ile Mangareva (23˚07'S., 134˚59'W.), the largest of four main islands, maintains a permanent population. The majority of the population surrounds the main port of Rikitea, on the E side of the island. There is another port at Totegegie, on the barrier reef, 5 miles NE. On the NE side of the barrier reef there are many low detached islets covered with green vegetation. Elsewhere, with the exception of Banc de Tokoruaat, its W extremity, the reef is submerged; the depths are generally shallow.
The islands lie within an extensive lagoon. Most are of volcanic formation and the larger islands are high, covered with high grass, reeds, and ferns. Some islets are in the lagoon, but most lie on the NE of the reef and they are wooded.
The barrier reef rises steeply from great depths on its seaward side, except for the gradual rise from the SE. The NE part of the barrier is almost awash. There are three passes through the reef, which are known as Passe de l’Ouest, Passe du Sud-Ouest, and Passe de Sud-Est. All the passes give access to anchorage in the outer part of the lagoon.
From a distance, the island may be identified by Mont Duff, 441m high, and rising to two wedge-shaped peaks at its SW end. From the NW, Mont Duff and Mont Mokoto appear as two pointed peaks close together.
Pilotage.—Pilotage is not compulsory, but is recommended for the channels and anchorages listed below. The pilot will meet vessels at the entrance to Passe de L'Ouest.
Caution.—As Passe du Sud-Ouest and Passe du Sud-Est are exposed to the prevailing sea, the swell may reduce the avail-able depth of water over the bar. It has been reported that the buoys and beacons marking the dangers and channels mentioned below are unreliable. (Sailing Directions Pub-126)
This is a redo of a January 2006 post. I had never finished this map until today. I added some additional reef layers and did some adjustments to names placed on the map. The maps are a much better representation of this group of islands.
Wikipedia has an informative article on the Gambiers. It also includes a number of links to additional information.
Enjoy!
Labels: atoll, EVS, Gambiers, Global Mapper, island, Landsat, map, Marplot, Pacific, Polynesia
