Reao
Encyclopedia
Reao or Natūpe is an atoll
in the eastern expanses of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia
. The closest land is Pukarua Atoll, located 48 km to the WNW.
Reao is 24.5 km long and its maximum width is 5 km. The whole length of its north-eastern rim is occupied by a single long island. There is no navigable pass into the lagoon.
Reao Atoll's population is 344 inhabitants.
in 1823. He named this atoll "Clermont Tonnerre".
Reao was visited by the United States Exploring Expedition led by Charles Wilkes
on August 13, 1839. Wilkes called this atoll "Minerva".
Reao Airport was inaugurated in 1979.
Atoll
An atoll is a coral island that encircles a lagoon partially or completely.- Usage :The word atoll comes from the Dhivehi word atholhu OED...
in the eastern expanses of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic . It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island and the seat of the capital of the territory...
. The closest land is Pukarua Atoll, located 48 km to the WNW.
Reao is 24.5 km long and its maximum width is 5 km. The whole length of its north-eastern rim is occupied by a single long island. There is no navigable pass into the lagoon.
Reao Atoll's population is 344 inhabitants.
History
The first recorded European to sight Reao Atoll was French explorer Louis Isidore DuperreyLouis Isidore Duperrey
Louis Isidore Duperrey was a French sailor and explorer.Duperrey joined the navy in 1800, and served as marine hydrologist to Louis Claude de Saulces de Freycinet aboard the Uranie...
in 1823. He named this atoll "Clermont Tonnerre".
Reao was visited by the United States Exploring Expedition led by Charles Wilkes
Charles Wilkes
Charles Wilkes was an American naval officer and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 and commanded the ship in the Trent Affair during the American Civil War...
on August 13, 1839. Wilkes called this atoll "Minerva".
Reao Airport was inaugurated in 1979.