Tabuaeran facts for kids
Tabuaeran is a beautiful atoll located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is one of the islands that make up the Line Islands group. Tabuaeran is part of the country of Kiribati. The highest point on the island is only about 3 meters (10 feet) above the high tide, which means it's very low-lying!
The name Tabuaeran comes from the Gilbertese language, which is spoken in Kiribati. In English, this island is also known as Fanning Island or Fanning Atoll.
Contents
Discovering Tabuaeran
Tabuaeran is a fascinating place because of its unique geography. It is an atoll, which is a special type of island.
What is an Atoll?
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that surrounds a lagoon. It forms when a volcano sinks into the ocean over a very long time. The coral reef grows upwards around the volcano, creating a ring. Eventually, the volcano disappears below the water, leaving just the coral ring with a calm, shallow lagoon in the middle. Tabuaeran is a perfect example of this natural wonder.
Where is Tabuaeran Located?
Tabuaeran is found in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Line Islands, which are a long chain of islands belonging to Kiribati. These islands are quite remote, meaning they are far away from large continents. This makes them special places for unique plants and animals.
Part of Kiribati
Tabuaeran is one of the many islands that make up the Republic of Kiribati. Kiribati is an island nation made up of 32 atolls and one raised coral island. Most of Kiribati's land is very low, making it vulnerable to rising sea levels. The people of Kiribati are known as I-Kiribati.
History of the Island
Tabuaeran has an interesting past, especially concerning how it got its different names.
European Discovery
The island was first seen by Europeans in 1798. An American captain named Edmund Fanning discovered it while sailing his ship, the Betsey. He named the island "Fanning Island" after himself. This is why it still has that English name today.
Later Uses
For a while, the island was used for growing copra, which is dried coconut meat. Copra is used to make coconut oil. The island also played a role in early telegraph communications. A very important underwater cable, which carried messages across the Pacific Ocean, passed through Fanning Island in the early 1900s. This cable connected Canada to Australia and New Zealand.
Life on Tabuaeran
Life on Tabuaeran is closely connected to the ocean and the island's natural environment.
Climate and Nature
Because Tabuaeran is near the equator, it has a tropical climate. This means it's warm all year round with plenty of sunshine and some rain. The island is home to various types of palm trees, especially coconut palms. The lagoon and surrounding waters are full of marine life, including colorful fish and corals.
Population and Culture
A small number of people live on Tabuaeran. They are mostly I-Kiribati, and their culture is rich with traditions tied to the sea. Fishing is a very important part of their daily life and food supply. The community on the island is close-knit, and they often rely on each other for support.
Images for kids
-
Lagoon shoreline at Fanning
-
Map of Kiribati
-
A robot icon
