Sandy beaches of Brazilian Oceanic Islands

Abstract

Brazil has four oceanic islands, three of which are discussed in this chapter: Rocas atoll, Fernando de Noronha and Trindade. Each of these islands is located on seafloor fracture zones extending east of the coast. Rocas and Fernando de Noronha lie 260 and 360 km respectively east of Natal. Rocas consists of a coral atoll, containing in its lagoon three sandy cays with dynamic beaches. The atoll is uninhabited and only visited by scientists. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago contains 21 islands the largest of which is inhabited and contains 15 sandy beaches, some considered the most beautiful in Brazil. It is a popular tourist and surfing destination. Trindade lies 1140 km east of Vitória and is a bare volcanic peak manned by a Naval base with a oceanographic research station and containing 12 sandy and cobble beaches, including the deadly “camel wave”. The islands and their variety of beaches are presented in this chapter.