Refuge Units
Aleutian Islands
Expanse
The
Aleutian Islands unit of the Alaska Maritime Refuge extends more than 1,100 miles
in a chain of volcanic islands (some
still growing) . . .
. . . from Unimak Island at the tip
of the Alaska Peninsula westward to Attu Island, nearer to Asia than to mainland
North America . . .
. . . where the clash of North Pacific Ocean and Bering
Sea waters creates a banquet for marine birds and mammals.
Volcanic
Origins
The more than 200 islands of the Aleutians are tips of 57 submarine volcanoes,
27 of which are active. Some islands are wave-cut platforms less than 600 feet
above sea level, other rise more than 9,000 feet..
Fog, Winds –
and More Fog
The Aleutians have a maritime climate characterized by
overcast skies, frequent and violent storms, high winds, fog, and precipitation.
Year-round temperatures are cool but not normally severe, with a mean annual temperature
of 40oF.
Premiere Bird Habitat
The Aleutian Islands
host the largest nesting population of seabirds (about 10 million) in North America. They also provides unique nesting habitat
for the formerly endangered Aleutian
cackling goose. The islands are important migration and staging areas
for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines, some more typical of Asia
than North America. Emperor geese and other waterfowl spend the winter in the
ice free coves and bays. Some 260 bird species have been recorded here.
Wilderness Islands
More than half of the land area in the
Aleutians is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
LINKS
to learn more
Look Closer ... Aleutians (Paradise
for marine life and wildlife watchers who brave the storms)
Look
Closer ... Buldir Island (Brightest gem in chain of volcanic islands –
mecca for birdlife.)
Short History - Adak (From volcanic origins to earthquakes and war, Adak has an active history)
Contaminant
Legacy (World War II and Cold War activities left a legacy of contaminants)
Aleutian
Islands Biosphere Reserve
Visitor Information
Unalaska
Area
Adak
Island
Last updated:September 8, 2008
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