KURE ATOLL Meaning and
Definition
-
Kure Atoll is a remote coral atoll located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands territory. It is situated approximately 1,335 miles northwest of Honolulu and covers an area of about 8 square miles. Kure Atoll is the most northern and the second largest atoll in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
This atoll is characterized by a circular or oval-shaped coral reef enclosing a central lagoon. It is composed of a series of small islets and sandbars formed by wave and wind action over many years. Kure Atoll's ecosystem is highly diverse, with a vast array of marine life inhabiting its waters, including various fish species, coral reefs, and seabirds.
The atoll has a rich cultural and historical significance. Its name "Kure" is derived from a Russian navigator who discovered the atoll in 1824. Over the years, it has served as a crucial navigational point for mariners and a resting site for migratory birds. It was also home to a US Coast Guard navigation and radar station during World War II and the Cold War.
Today, Kure Atoll is primarily a protected wildlife refuge and a significant research site. It has limited human access and is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and valuable scientific contributions. The delicate ecosystem and abundance of marine life make it an important location for the study of marine biology, climate change, and conservation efforts.
Etymology of KURE ATOLL
The word "kure" originates from the Hawaiian language and means "turtle". "Atoll", on the other hand, comes from the Dhivehi language spoken in the Maldives and refers to a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon. Therefore, "Kure Atoll" can be translated as "Turtle Atoll" or "Turtle Island" due to its association with sea turtles and its characteristic atoll structure.
