Adams Island (Massachusetts) facts for kids

Adams Island was a small island located off the coast of Massachusetts in the United States. It was part of a group of islands near Nantucket. Over time, this island changed shape and eventually disappeared due to natural forces like storms and ocean currents.

History of Adams Island

How Adams Island Formed

Adams Island was not always a separate island. It was originally connected to Tuckernuck Island. In the 1890s, the western part of Tuckernuck Island stretched very far. It almost reached another island called Muskeget Island. This long stretch of land acted like a natural wall, known as a barrier beach. It helped protect smaller land areas like the Gravel Islands and Little Gull Island from ocean waves.

In 1902, a powerful storm, known as the Haulover Nor'easter, hit the area. This storm was strong enough to cut Adams Island away from Tuckernuck Island. This is how Adams Island became its own separate island. Another small island, called Tombolo, was also formed by this same storm.

Changes to the Island Over Time

A few years later, in 1907, Adams Island nearly connected to Muskeget Island. However, the ocean created a narrow, deep channel of water. This channel kept the two islands from joining together.

The size of Adams Island began to shrink over the years. In 1910, a tropical storm and another autumn nor'easter made the island much shorter. By 1920, Adams Island was less than 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) long. Its size continued to decrease rapidly. By 1950, only about 10 meters (33 feet) of the island remained. Sadly, by 1980, Adams Island had completely disappeared into the sea.

See also

In Spanish: Isla Adams (Massachusetts) para niños