Shumshu
Welcome to Shumshu, a Continental island in the Sea of Okhotsk, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Shumshu unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Shumshu
Size: 382.3 km²
Coastline: 119.5 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: Sea of Okhotsk
Continent: Asia
Shumshu is a Large Island spanning 382 km² with a coastline of 120 km.
Archipel: Kuril Islands – A volcanic archipelago stretching from Japan to Russia, known for their rugged landscapes and abundant marine life.
Tectonic Plate: Okhotsk – Located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the Okhotsk Plate encompasses the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula, and parts of Japan. It’s involved in complex interactions with the Pacific and North American plates, contributing to seismic activity in the region.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 50.73955581 / Longitude: 156.35558192
Climate and weather of Shumshu
Climate Zone: Continental
Climate Details: Subarctic Climate
Temperature: Cold Summer
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers, often found in northern latitudes of North America and Eurasia.
Topography and nature of Shumshu
Timezone: UTC+12:00
Timezone places: Asia/Kamchatka
Max. Elevation: 165 m
Mean Elevation: 89 m
Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Tree Coverage: 19%
The mean elevation is 89 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 165 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Comprising mainly of grasses, herbs, and ferns, these areas are common in prairies, meadows, and savannas, and can vary widely in species composition. Shumshu has a tree cover of 19 %.
Vegetation: 10 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Shumshu
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Shumshu. The nearest airport is Avachinskiy Heliport, located 331 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Shumshu. The closest major port is PETROPAVLOVSK, approximately 341 km away.
The mean population of Shumshu is 1 per km². Shumshu is Uninhabited. The island belongs to Russia.
Continuing your journey, Paramushir is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Type 95 Ha-Go, Shumshu Island
Russia is classified as Emerging region: BRIC: Brazil, Russia, India, and China – Economies noted for their rapid growth and increasing influence on global affairs. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Shumshu
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Shumshu. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.