Nukuoro Atoll FM
Nukuoro Atoll - Image (N-56-00_2000)
Nukuoro Atoll - Map
Nukuoro Atoll - Shuttle Image (ISS013-E-28610)
Nukuoro Atoll (3˚50'N., 155˚00'E.) consists of more than 40 islets, about 3.6m high, standing on the E side of the barrier reef. Nukuoro, an island covered with palm trees and tropical plants, is the center of activity. A small pier is situated on the lagoon side of Nukuoro, which is reported to be unsafe, even for small vessels. There is a radio station on the island.
Nukuoro Passage, 27 to 37m wide, leads into the lagoon be-tween the reefs fringing the islands of Kaujema and Shenukdei. The passage is deep and is marked by tree branches stuck into the reef, but is fronted by a bar, with a least depth of 8.2m. Numerous coral patches, some of which dry, are scattered throughout the lagoon.
Caution.—The sea is usually high at the bar and becomes choppy when the tidal currents are strong. These currents sometimes attain a velocity of 6 knots on the ebb. In 1978, the passage was reported to have sufficient depth for small boat operations, but it is very narrow and has an uncharted bend of 45˚. The passage should only be attempted at slack water, by small vessels with local knowledge, under the most favorable of conditions.
In 1985, a vessel reported that anchorage within the vicinity of the passage was impossible.
(SD Pub-153)
I have located one excellent source, Atoll Research Bulletin #107. It is a discussion of the place names found on Nukuoro Atoll. It turns out that the language of the approximately 900 people living on the island is unique to the island. This scholarly discussion will give you insights into not only the peculiarities of the Nukuoro-ian language, but also contains a map with names for all of the 46 motus.
And finally my inspiration for doing this map, NASA Earth article about Nukuoro Atoll. I used this image to fine-tune my map. This image shows the reef as a sandy bottom. Landsat ETM+ displays the reef in their classic blue color. Since the shuttle image dates to very recent, my suspicion is that the reef is sandy. It appears to be above water, as well. I depict it as EVS Reef Shallow.
