Griffith Island (Nunavut) facts for kids
 Griffith Island
Location in Nunavut
Griffith Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Canada |
| Coordinates | 74°35′N 095°30′W / 74.583°N 95.500°W |
| Archipelago | Queen Elizabeth Islands Arctic Archipelago |
| Area | 189 km2 (73 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Territory | Nunavut |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Griffith Island is a small island located in the Arctic Archipelago. This group of islands is found in the far north of Canada. Griffith Island is part of the Nunavut territory, specifically in the Qikiqtaaluk Region.
The island sits in the middle of the western part of Barrow Strait. This is a waterway in the Canadian Arctic.
Griffith Island is directly across from Resolute. Resolute is a small Inuit community on Cornwallis Island. A stretch of water called Resolute Passage separates the two. This passage is about 6.5 mi (10.5 km) wide.
Contents
Exploring Griffith Island
Griffith Island is about 18 by 11 km (11.2 by 6.8 mi) in size. Its total area is 189 km2 (73 sq mi). It is not a very large island.
A Look at History
In 1851, Captain Horatio Austin visited Griffith Island. He was on a ship called the Resolute. Captain Austin was looking for the lost expedition of Sir John Franklin. Franklin's team had disappeared while exploring the Arctic.
Captain Austin and his crew spent the winter near Griffith Island. During that winter, a man named George F. McDougall explored the area. He was a second master on the ship. McDougall explored the waterway north of Griffith Island, which is now called McDougall Sound after him.
Changes to the Coastline
Since 1958, the southeast coast of Griffith Island has changed. It used to have small, separate sandbars. Now, these sandbars have joined together. They form a continuous barrier along the coast.
Recent Events
On April 25, 2021, a helicopter crashed on Griffith Island. The helicopter was owned by Great Slave Helicopters. It was being used to count polar bears in the area. Sadly, all three people on board died in the crash.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Griffith (Nunavut) para niños
