Geography of Reunion (France)

Réunion is an island in Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is a part of France that is overseas. The island has a total area of 2,512 km2, of which 10 km2 are water. The island's 207 kilometres of coastline. An exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles and a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles (22 km) are included in Réunion's maritime claims. Geologically, Reunion is located in the Somali plate.

Physical Features

Réunion, a volcanic island, is primarily made up of rough mountains that have been extensively dissected by swift rivers. A mountain massif in the west-central region has three summits that are higher than 9,000 feet (2,740 meters), including the Piton des Neiges (10,069 feet [3,069 meters]). A number of large basins and numerous smaller plateaus encircle the massif. An area of more recent volcanism can be found in the eastern portion of the island, and in the far east is the mountain Le Volcan, one of whose craters, Piton de la Fournaise, has been active on numerous occasions since 1925.

The coast of Réunion lacks any excellent natural harbours. The south and east of the island receive a lot of yearly rainfall (160-315 inches [4,000-8,000 mm]), but the north and west only receive as little as 25 inches (635 mm) of precipitation per year due to the moisture-laden southeast trade winds that rule the weather from April to October. The tropics often have cool temperatures, especially at higher elevations, although in the summer the lowlands are oppressively hot and humid. Tropical cyclones commonly happen.

Geology

Three of the original seven Mascarene islands that sprang out of the Indian Ocean as a result of the Réunion hotspot were totally submerged, and one is a coral atoll. Today, Mauritius, Reunion, and Rodrigues are the only ones left. The tallest peaks in the Mascarenes can be found in Réunion. The Mascarene Plateau is an undersea plateau that stretches from the Seychelles to Réunion for about 2000 kilometres. Over 115,000 km2 of shallow water, with depths varying from 8 to 150 meters and dropping to 4000 m at its margins, make up the plateau. The Réunion hotspot created the plateau's southern portion.

The plateau was once a series of islands, as evidenced by limestone banks that represent the remains of coral reefs. The plateau was once a series of islands, as evidenced by limestone banks that represent the remains of coral reefs. During the most recent ice age, when sea levels were as much as 130 meters lower, some of the banks may have been islands as recently as 18,000–6,000 years ago.

Climate

Tropical weather prevails on Réunion, but elevation brings about a lowering of the temperature. From May to November, the weather is cool and dry, and from November to April, it is hot and rainy. While there are some fertile lowlands along the shore, the landscape is primarily rough and rocky. The Indian Ocean is the lowest point, and the highest point is 3,069 m high Piton des Neiges.

The development of indigenous fauna and flora has been facilitated by the proliferation of numerous micro-climates in an area with mountainous relief and humid tropical temperatures. Reunion Island provides as many varied natural ecosystems as one might find on an entire continent, ranging from the arid savanna in the west to the wet woods at altitude, from the waterfall-covered windward slopes to the lunar-like plateaux of the volcano. While the centre of the island's mountainous interior is still lush and undeveloped, the coastal communities have grown.

High mountains in the area have an impact on the tropical, humid environment. The average temperature is 81⁰F (27⁰C) near the shore but decreases to 64⁰F (18⁰C) in the mountains during the hot, wet season (December to March). Snow fell in August 2003. The average temperature during the winter (April to November) is 72⁰F (22⁰C) on the shore and 52⁰F (11⁰C) at higher elevations. Typically, the cyclone season lasts from December through February. All year long, the southeast trade winds blow. Although the east coast is significantly more rainy than the arid, brown west coast, the highlands above the east coast receive the most precipitation.

Coastline

The majority of the coast consists of cliffs and stony beaches that have been worn by the seas. However, the island's 35 km of sandy beaches stretch from the west to the south. Coral barriers generating shallow lagoons are advantageous in places like Grand'Anse, Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu, and Saint-Gilles. These areas have been protected by a Natural Marine Reserve since 2007 because of the abundant marine life there.

Flora and Fauna

On Réunion, forests and other habitats were cut down for farming and deteriorated as a result of the introduction of alien plants. However, a large portion of the island has been replanted, and it now has approximately 40% forest cover. The flora is varied and home to numerous rare species. On these islands, there are about 955 flowering plant species spread across 108 different families and 323 genera. There are around 695 unique species, and 38 of the plant genera are thought to be endemic. A small portion of the flora is more closely connected to that of Asia than to the majority, which shares connections with Madagascar and Africa.

The wide variety of palm species, which includes many indigenous genera, is particularly fascinating. Other than bats, there are no native mammals on the islands. The Dodo, an extinct flightless pigeon from Mauritius, was the most famous of the flightless forms that many Mascarene birds evolved into. On the islands, sixteen endemic bird species still exist. The Réunion cuckoo-shrike, Réunion stonechat, Réunion olive white-eye, and Réunion bulbul are the only bird species that can be found there.

Conclusion

The gorgeous volcanic island of Réunion Island, which is situated in the Indian Ocean, has a variety of topography, including steep mountains and fast rivers. It is a part of France and has a distinctive flora and fauna, with much of the island being covered in forests. The island is a natural sanctuary because of its diverse ecosystems and microclimates. The island's tall mountains have an impact on the climate, which can be chilly and dry or hot and rainy.

Cliffs, stony beaches, and sandy portions with shallow lagoons are all present throughout the coastline, which is protected as a Natural Marine Reserve. Conservation initiatives have helped recover a sizable percentage of the island's flora and protect its indigenous bird species despite certain environmental difficulties.

FAQs

1. Where is the island of Réunion located?

East of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is the island of Réunion, which is a French overseas territory.

2. What physical characteristics does Réunion Island have?

The Piton des Neiges, which rises to a height of 3,069 meters, is one of the island's rugged mountains. Additionally, there are plateaus and areas with more recent volcanic activity.

3. How would you describe the weather on Réunion Island?

Tropical weather prevails on the island, with drier, cooler temperatures from May to November and hot, wet conditions from November to April. Temperature is influenced by elevation, and the southeast trade winds are present all year.

4. What kind of plants and animals can you find in Réunion Island?

With about 955 flowering plant species, including unique genera, the island boasts a varied flora. Although there are no native animal species, it is the home of several indigenous bird species and distinctive palm species.

5. What distinguishing qualities does the seashore of Réunion possess?

A 35 km stretch of sandy beaches and coral barriers that create shallow lagoons are scattered among the cliffs and stony beaches that make up the remainder of the coast. Due of the rich marine life there, several areas are preserved as Natural Marine Reserves.