| Atoll Formation
Darwin's Theory of atoll formation describes the following:
- A volcanic island begins to collect coral around its base as the coral
grow and die, and grow upon the dead coral the island is sinking.
- After about 100,000 years a fringing coral reef around most of the
isalnd is continuing to grow while the island continues to sink.
- After about 25-30 million years the coral reef becomes a barrier reef
and the island is nearly under sea level
- Finally, nearly 30 million years from the start of the process the
island is completely submerged and the reef that is formed becomes an
atoll consisting of several islands and a lagoon in the middle. Lanes
between the islands offer entrance from the ocean to the lagoon in the
middle.
- A movie depicting atoll formation is located here.
Each island (or islet) in an atoll offers a different environment and capacities
for sustaining life. These factors and capacities influenced the impact
of the movement of the Marshallese as many were moved from very habitable
locations to inhabitable ones. Notably, the islands that make up these
atolls (Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, Utrik) are located in the northern end
of the Marshall Islands which is typically a drier and more temperate climate,
and while still subject to frequent typhoons, are less likely than the southern
atolls and islands.
Some of the atolls that
were most impacted by the relocations are listed here:
Bikini
Probably the atoll and set of islets that have been most affected
by population relocations. Look at "The Bikini
Example" for more information.
Bikini is located in the Northwestern part of the Marshall Islands
Enewetak
Like Bikini, this atoll was used as a nuclear test site and as
such the population was evacuated to Ujelang.
Kili
Not an atoll but, in November of 1948, the Bikinians traveled to
live on Kili island due to it not being inhabited. 425 miles South from
Bikini. This island lacks a lagoon thus the Bikinians had to abandon
traditional lagoon fishing and trapping for natural food. It is also
significantly smaller in land area than the combined islets of the Bikini
atoll.
Kwajalein
The largest atoll in the Marshall Islands and the atoll with the
largest lagoon in the world. Full of many inhabited islets Kwajalein
is home (now) to many relocated Marshallese as well as a US military
base (tested and used for SDI activities). Ebeye is an overcrowded islet
housing many Marshallese that have been relocated.
Majuro
Home of the Marshall Islands capital city, Majuro. As well as home
to several groups of relocated citizens (mostly Rogelap and Enewetak
citizens).
Rongelap
Contaminated by the Bikini tests. Residents are evacuated
to several other islets mainly in the Kwajelain atoll. Residents have
also included some other relocated islanders.
Rongerik
125 miles east of Bikini and the first temporary home of the Bikinians
in 1946. Initially unihabited due to its small size (1/6 that of Bikini)
and lacking in food and fresh water. There was also a belief among the
Marshallese culture that this atoll was cursed by evil spirits.
Ujelang
Like Enewetak and Bikini this atoll is located in
the Northern-west portion of the Marshall Islands. It was frequently
used as the temporary home of Enewetak residents and Bikini residents.
View atoll statisitics here |
Updated:
December 30, 2003 11:59 AM
