Motu One, Coral atoll in Leeward Islands, French Polynesia
The atoll contains a closed lagoon with a coral reef crown extending across 3 square kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean.
Otto von Kotzebue named the atoll after Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen during his Pacific Ocean expedition in the early 1800s.
The name translates to 'Island of Sand' in Tahitian language, reflecting the traditional Polynesian practice of naming places based on natural features.
The atoll lacks permanent inhabitants and contains only a narrow passage allowing canoe access through its surrounding coral reef structure.
Cyclone Martin in 1997 caused severe flooding on the atoll, demonstrating the vulnerability of low-lying Pacific islands to natural disasters.
Location: Leeward Islands
Part of: Leeward Islands
GPS coordinates: -15.80000,-154.53333
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
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