GEOG101: World Regional Geography

Polynesia covers much of the mid- and southern Pacific Ocean (see Figure 10.8). Composed of more than 1,000 islands, Polynesia includes islands with high mountains, such as Hawai'i, and low-lying coral atolls, such as some of the Tongan islands. The islands that have mountains with elevations high enough to condense moisture from the clouds receive adequate precipitation. However, the low-elevation islands lack this ability and suffer from shortages of fresh water, making human settlement a challenge.