Aleutian islands

Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands are a chain of 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones, forming part of the Aleutian Arc in the Northern Pacific Ocean, occupying an area of 6,821 sq mi (17,666 km²) and extending about 1,200 mi (1,900 km) westward from the Alaska Peninsula towards Siberia to form the southern boundary of the Bering Sea. The islands, known before 1867 as the Catherine Archipelago, comprise five groups (the Fox Islands, Islands of Four Mountains, Andreanof Islands, Rat Islands, and Near Islands).

Geography and Geology

The Aleutian Islands are a part of a subduction zone located between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. They are associated with the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the North American Plate, which produces intense volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes.

Climate

The climate of the islands is oceanic, with moderate and fairly uniform temperatures and heavy rainfall. Fogs are almost constant. Summer weather is much cooler than Southeast Alaska (Sitka), but the winter temperature of the islands and of the Alaska Panhandle is very nearly the same.

Flora and Fauna

The Aleutian Islands are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including numerous species of marine mammals and birds. The islands are also known for their unique and diverse plant life, including many species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

History

The Aleutian Islands have been inhabited by the Aleut people (Unangan) for over 4,000 years. The islands were discovered by European explorers in the 18th century, and were later used for fur trading by Russian and American settlers. During World War II, the islands were the site of the Aleutian Islands Campaign, a significant conflict between the United States and Japan.

See Also

• List of islands of Alaska
• Aleutian Islands Campaign
• Aleut people