Origin and Localization
The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is situated four degrees below the Equator line, at 3º54' S latitude and 32º25' W longitude. The distance to Recife, capital of the State of Pernambuco, is 545 km, to Natal, capital of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, 360 km and to Fortaleza, capital of the State of Ceará, 710 km.

Actually the Archipelago is formed by the mountain peaks of a volcanic cordillera, which base is located about 4,000 meters depth, the Atlantic Median Dorsum.

Total area of the Archipelago 21 islands, cliffs and islets with a total area of about 26 km², whereby the main island has an area of 17 km², form the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago.

Photo: Hans Von Baron Manteuffel

Climate
Tropical, hot oceanic, with well defined seasons climate. Average rain falls of 1,300 mm per year, with greater indexes between March and May and drought between August and January. Average temperature 25,4° C. Constant winds with predominant SE direction, average speed of 6,6 m/s and greater intensities between July and August. Relative humidity almost constant with an yearly average of 81%. Average sunshine rate: maximum in November (312,5 hours) and minimum in April (216,8 hours).

Water sources
There are no perennial water flows. The samll basins, the reduced water retention capacity and the pronounced dry climate provide temporary brooks, like: Mulungú Brook (Cachorro Beach), Atalaia Brook (Atalaia Beach) and Maceió Brook, this one more important, as it feeds the Xaréu Storage Dam, which supplies the population with water (Southeast Bay).