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Tromelin Island

Tromelin Island

This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: Peter Saundry

Tromelin Island is in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.

it is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. It is also considered part of the Îles Éparses (Scattered Islands or Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean - Îles éparses de l'océan indien) which include Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island.

First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814.

At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Tromelin Island is climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean. It is uninhabited, except for visits by scientists.

Geographic Coodinates: 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Area: 1 sq km

Coastline: 3.7 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate: tropical

Terrain: low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount. The highest point is an unnamed location (7 m)

Natural Resources: fish, crayfish, guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Land Use:  100% grasses and scattered brush (2005)

Natural Hazard: subject to periodic cyclones

1976 Map. Source: CIA Map

Citation

Central Intelligence Agency (Lead Author);CIA World Factbook (Content Source);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Tromelin Island". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth December 23, 2011; Last revised Date December 24, 2011; Retrieved June 19, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Tromelin_Island>

The Author

Central Intelligence AgencyThe Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. The act also created a Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to serve as head of the United States intelligence community; act as the principal adviser to the President for intelligence matters related to the national security; and serve as head of the Central Intelligence Agency. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 amended the National Securit ... (Full Bio)

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