middleton island
about the island
Middleton Island, situated about 60 miles off the coast in the north-central Gulf of Alaska, is home to a marine field station unlike any other in the world. Research and monitoring conducted there since 1978 is furnishing data relevant to marine ecosystem management in the Gulf and the northeastern Pacific generally.
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Jonathan Green
Kristen Gorman and Anne Schaefer
learn about the researchers
meet the team
Kyle Elliott, Ph.D.
Morgan Benowitz-Fredericks, Ph.D.
Sarah Leclaire, Ph.D.
Akiko Shoji, Ph.D.
scott hatch Ph.D.
how it all started
history of Middleton island
The Middleton Island Air Force Base (defense communications and radar) was operated for 6 years during the Cold War, decommissioned in 1963, and sold to a consortium of private investors in 1966.
01
Geological History
Geologically speaking, Middleton Island is thought to be less than 5000 years old. It comprises the exposed portion of a continental shelf area subject to continuous tectonic uplift. In 1964, the great Alaska Earthquake raised the island nearly 4 meters in the span of a few minutes, exposing previously submerged seafloor at the perimeter and greatly expanding the island’s area.
02
Cultural History
03
Biological History
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Middleton Summer Research
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conduct research on the island
Scott and a team of researchers have decades of experience working on this island. Learn how you can join the team and start conducting research.