Aldabra Island (right) and Assumption Island,part of the Seychelles group in the Indian Ocean. Aldabra Island is a classic example of a coral atoll. Shallow coral growths cause sand in the ocean to deposit,eventually breaking the surface and allowing plants to stabilise the soil. The pale blue lagoon in the atoll takes its colour from shallow sand deposits,the dark blue intrusion being a deep channel. Aldabra Island has its own ecosystem,10% of its species being unique to the island. The adjacent Assumption Island has a small runway. This photo was taken during Shuttle Mission STS-44 of 24 November to 1 December 1991 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / NASA |
Taille de l’image : | 4235 px × 4391 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |