Rocas Atoll

Rocas Atoll is an atoll in the Atlantic Ocean at location 03°51′ S 33°49′ W. It is part of Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil.

The atoll has an oval shape. It is a is 3.7 km long and 2.5 km wide. The lagoon is up to 6 m deep and has an area of 7.5 km². The land area (two islets on the West side, Cemitério Island and Farol Cay) is 0.36 km².

The atoll is a wildlife sanctuary, and since 2001 a World Heritage property of UNESCO. Numerous turtles, sharks, dolphins and birds live in the area. The atoll consists mainly of coral and red algae. The coral ring is almost closed, with a 200 m wide channel on the North side and a much narrower channel on the West side.

Weblinks

• Sigep – Brazilian Comission of Geological and Palaeobilogical Sites (english/portugese) detailed description, with maps and pictures]
• UNSECO – World Heritage (englisch)