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Aleutian Islands Facts & Worksheets

The Aleutian Islands are part of the Aleutian Arc, a volcanic arc generated by the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate. Because of this geological activity, the region is home to numerous volcanoes – including both active and inactive volcanoes.

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The Aleutian Islands are part of the Aleutian Arc, a volcanic arc generated by the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate. Because of this geological activity, the region is home to numerous volcanoes – including both active and inactive volcanoes. The Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean are separated by the Aleutian Islands. 

See the fact file below for more information on the Aleutian Islands, or you can download our 29-page Aleutian Islands worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BRIEF BACKGROUND 

  • The Aleutian Islands were known before 1867 as the Catherine Archipelago. Now, it is known as the Aleutian Islands but is also called the Aleut Islands. 
  • The island is a chain of 14 large volcanic islands, including 55 smaller islands. Overall, there are more than 80 volcanoes on the island. Some volcanoes are dormant; others are active, like the Makushin Volcano in Alaska. 
  • Most of the Aleutian Islands belong to the state of Alaska in the United States, but some belong to the Kamchatka Krai in Russia.
  • The islands form part of the Aleutian Arc in the Northern Pacific Ocean, occupying a land area of 6,821 sq mi and extending about 1,200 mi westward from the Alaska Peninsula toward the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.

GEOLOGY

  • The Aleutian Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is a region characterized by intense volcanic and seismic activity. The geology of the Aleutian Islands is primarily formed through subduction, known as the Aleutian Trench. 
  • The Aleutian Trench is one of the most active subduction zones on Earth. The intense tectonic forces associated with this subduction have formed a chain of volcanic islands. Volcanoes are a prominent feature of the Aleutian archipelago, and the islands are one of the most volcanic regions in the world as it houses more than 80 active volcanoes.
  • These volcanoes are part of the larger volcanic Aleutian Arc. The Aleutian Islands are also prone to seismic activities. Earthquakes are common in the region due to the interactions between the tectonic plates. These earthquakes can range from small tremors to larger, more destructive events.

WELL-KNOWN ISLANDS

  • Fox Islands. The Fox Islands are the closest in the Aleutian chain to North American soil and consist of numerous reefs in its bodies of water. The Fox Islands are challenging to navigate due to persistently hostile weather and are foggy all year, with low visibility. For this reason, reaching the Islands is difficult. 
  • The waterways around the islands are called the Fox Islands Passes. Earthquakes are standard on the Aleutian Islands, and the Fox Islands are no exception. Fox Island was named after J.L. Fox, who served as an expedition assistant surgeon during the United States Exploring Expedition.
  • Islands of Four Mountains. These lie between Samalga Pass and the Fox Islands in the east and Amukta Pass and the Andreanof Islands in the west. These uninhabited islands have a combined land area of 210.656 square miles. 
  • Four prominent volcanoes on separate islands gave rise to the appellation used by early Russian explorers, thus the name “Island of Four Mountains.” 
  • The Andreanof Islands. The name of the island is credited to the first European to discover the island, the Russian sailor Andreyan Tolstykh. 
  •  During World War II, there were many US military bases on the island of Adak that were expanded and declared permanent after the war but shut down in 1995. 
  • The Commander Islands. Also known as the Komandorski or the Komandorskie Islands, it is a group of treeless islands.  
  • The island was named after Commander Vitus Bering, whose ship, St. Peter, capsized on Bering Island in 1741 when he returned from Alaska. Along with the majority of the crew, Bering perished on the island, and his grave was marked with a monument.

CLIMATE

  • The chilly waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea have a significant impact on the marine climate of the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutians have a cold environment typified by high humidity, strong winds, and frequent precipitation.
  • Throughout the year, the Aleutian Islands receive a lot of rainfall. Because of a combination of prevalent low-pressure systems and moist air masses from the surrounding oceans, the islands receive abundant precipitation. 
  • The Aleutians are frequently enveloped in fog and mist. The exchange of cold ocean currents with warmer air can reduce visibility due to dense fog banks. 
  • Summers are chilly and mild in the Aleutians, with average temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F in the warmest months. Even during the height of summer, temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (21°C) due to the ocean’s influence.
  • Winters in the Aleutian Islands are relatively mild compared to other places at comparable latitudes. During the winter, average temperatures range from 30°F to 40°F. 
  • The islands do not experience much extreme cold or heat due to the oceanic influences surrounding the islands. 
  • Strong and continuous winds characterize the Aleutian Islands. The region is prone to gusty winds due to the combination of temperature extremes, low-pressure systems, and exposure to vast oceans.
  • The weather conditions between the islands belonging to the Aleutian Islands vary from one another. Climates change rapidly with extreme temperatures.

ECOSYSTEM

  • Salmon. Salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, but as adults, they return to the stream where they were born to spawn. They locate their spawning grounds in their home river using their olfactory receptors.
  • Rockfish. Rockfish is a generic word for various kinds of fish that refers to their propensity to hide among rocks. There are over 100 species of rockfish, each with its unique color pattern, size, and shape. Rockfishes’ color range varies, and they are well-known for the heavy spines on their fins. 
  • Red-legged kittiwake. This grey and white seabird resembles a gull and is related to albatrosses. This bird is known for flying low over the ocean. They will eat in large groups at sea. The birds deter intruders from entering their nests by spitting foul-smelling oil.
  • Sea Stars. Sea stars are invertebrates related to echinoderms, such as sea urchins, cucumbers, and sand dollars. These creatures also have an extraordinary ability to regrow arms or even a whole body when injured. 

HISTORY

  • Indigenous Aleut People. Indigenous peoples have lived on the Aleutian Islands for thousands of years. The Aleut people have a rich cultural legacy. They are known to have traditionally relied on the resources of the islands and surrounding waterways for a living. 
  • They have a solid connection to the island. The indigenous Aleut people have their own culture, customs, language, and art. 
  • Russian Explorers. The arrival of Russian Explorers led by Vitus Bering led to interactions and conflicts with the Aleut people. They settled on the island to establish fur trading posts. 
  • The Russian influence on the island persisted until the United States purchased Alaska in the nineteenth century.
  • World War II and the Battle of the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutian Islands became a vital battleground involving the United States and Japan during World War II. In June 1942, the Japanese forces invaded and occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska for nearly a year.  
  • The US launched a campaign to retake the islands, resulting in brutal fights in terrible conditions. The Battle of the Aleutian Islands was crucial in diverting Japanese forces from other possible objectives.
  • Modern Era and the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association. Following World War II, the Aleut people continued to inhabit the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA) was founded in 1971 to advocate the Aleut people’s interests and promote their culture, education, and economic growth. The APIA aims to protect the rights and well-being of the Aleut people and supports various community initiatives and services.

Aleutian Islands Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Aleutian Islands across 29 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Aleutian Islands. The Aleutian Islands are part of the Aleutian Arc, a volcanic arc generated by the Pacific Plate subducting beneath the North American Plate.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Aleutian Islands Fact File 
  2. Detecting the Truth in Lies
  3. Puzzled 
  4. Island Hunting
  5. Know, Want, and Learned
  6. What’s My Name? 
  7. Living the Life
  8. Knowing the Climate 
  9. Tracing Origins
  10. Bubbles of Facts 
  11. A Poem for Aleutian

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Aleutian Islands located?

The Aleutian Islands are a chain of islands located in the northern Pacific Ocean, extending southwest from the Alaskan mainland towards Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

How were the Aleutian Islands formed?

The Aleutian Islands were formed as a result of tectonic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire. They are part of a volcanic arc formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate.

What is the climate like in the Aleutian Islands?

The Aleutian Islands have a maritime subarctic climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters. They experience strong winds, fog, and abundant rainfall throughout the year, with frequent storms due to their exposure to the North Pacific Ocean.

What is the population of the Aleutian Islands?

The population of the Aleutian Islands is relatively small. Some of the larger islands, such as Unalaska (where the town of Dutch Harbor is located), have a higher population due to fishing and commercial activities. However, overall, the population is scattered and mostly concentrated in a few communities.

What are some notable features or attractions in the Aleutian Islands?

The Aleutian Islands offer unique natural beauty and wildlife. Some notable features include rugged coastlines, volcanic peaks, and hot springs. The islands are home to diverse marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds. The World War II history is also a point of interest, as the islands played a significant role during the war, and remnants of military infrastructure can still be seen in some areas.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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