GEOGRAPHY THROUGH MAPS
Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands form an arc between Hokkaido and Kamchatka, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the open North Pacific.
Fast Facts
- The chain is associated with Pacific-plate subduction and offshore trench geography.
- Russia administers the islands; Japan claims Iturup/Etorofu, Kunashir/Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai group.
- Japan claims the four southernmost islands, which Russia has held since 1945.
Connected lessons
- Kuril IslandsMap, explanation and practice
- Northern Ring of Fire: arcs and trenchesGuided exploration
Geographical connections
- Kamchatka PeninsulaRelated places
- JapanRelated places