Rongerik Atoll, Pacific atoll in Ralik Chain, Marshall Islands.
Rongerik is a coral atoll in the Ralik Chain made up of roughly 61 islands with a combined land area around 2 square kilometers. The lagoon surrounding these islands covers a much larger area and is ringed by the low-lying coral formations.
The atoll was first documented in 1528 by Spanish navigator Alvaro de Saavedra and entered European maps. Nuclear testing in the 1950s later brought the location into international focus and shifted it toward scientific study.
The atoll connects to the Rongelap community and reflects traditional Marshall Islands maritime ways. You can see how this place fits into the region's ocean-centered life through its ties to neighboring islands.
The atoll sits just a few meters above sea level and remains uninhabited with minimal infrastructure for visitors. Access is limited and requires prior approval or arrangement with local or scientific authorities.
After nuclear tests nearby, temporary residents were evacuated, turning the location into a center for environmental monitoring. Today the atoll serves scientists as an observation station to track the long-term effects of radioactive contamination.
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