SPACEPHOTOS

The Furneaux Group of islands, consisting of over 40 islands, extends northward from the northeast tip of Tasmania. The relationship of the three largest islands: Flinders (top center), Cape Barren (lower center), and Clarke (bottom center), with numerous smaller islands can be seen in this near-nadir view. Flinders Island is separated from Clarke Island by Armstrong Channel and Kent Bay. The surface topography is mountainous throughout the islands. Several granite peaks exceed 2000 feet (610 m) with many other peaks higher than 1300 feet (400 m) above sea level. The only major exception to the rugged mountains is along the east coast of Flinders Island where a broad, sandy plain prevails. The east coasts of Flinders and Cape Barren Islands also have coastal lagoons. Elevation differences coupled with varying rainfall amounts on the islands supports a variety of soil types and vegetation species. The vegetated landscape (darker areas) consists of grasslands, shrub land, woodland, and even forests.