Cocos Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cocos Lagoon |
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 Cocos Lagoon
Location in Guam
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Nautical chart of Cocos Lagoon
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| Location | Cocos, Guam |
| Coordinates | 13°15′07″N 144°39′43″E / 13.252°N 144.662°E |
| Type | Natural |
| Max. length | 3.5 km (2.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 5.5 km (3.4 mi) |
| Surface area | 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) |
Cocos Lagoon is a beautiful natural area found on the island of Guam. It's like a small, almost-closed circle of coral that is attached to the southwest coast of Guam. You can find it close to the village of Merizo.
This lagoon stretches about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) from east to west and 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from north to south. It covers a large area of more than 10 square kilometers (3.9 square miles).
Contents
What is Cocos Lagoon?
Cocos Lagoon is a special type of natural harbor. It's protected from the open ocean by a coral reef. This makes the water inside the lagoon calmer and shallower, which is great for marine life and activities like swimming or snorkeling.
Where is Cocos Lagoon located?
Cocos Lagoon is on the southwest side of Guam. It's very close to the village of Merizo. This location makes it easy for people to visit and enjoy its natural beauty.
How is the lagoon separated from the ocean?
The lagoon is mostly separated from the big ocean by Cocos Island and Babe Island. These islands sit on top of what's called the Merizo Barrier Reef. This reef acts like a natural wall, protecting the lagoon from the strong ocean waves.
Channels and access points
- Manell Channel: On the east side, a narrow passage called Manell Channel separates Cocos Lagoon from Achang Reef. This channel leads to Achang Bay.
- Mamaon Channel: In the northwest, Mamaon Channel separates the lagoon from the main island of Guam. This channel is important because it allows boats to enter and exit the lagoon, connecting it to Merizo.
- Open areas: From the Mamaon Channel down to Achang Bay, there isn't a clear separation from the main island. Along the west side, the barrier reef sometimes appears above the water, but there are no islands there.
Images for kids
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Nautical chart of Cocos Lagoon
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A friendly robot
