Marvin Islands facts for kids
 Marvin Islands
Location in Nunavut
Marvin Islands
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Arctic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 82°59′N 73°37′W / 82.983°N 73.617°W |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Nunavut | Nunavut |
| Region | Qikiqtaaluk |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Marvin Islands are a small group of islands located very far north in the Arctic Ocean. These islands are uninhabited, meaning no people live there permanently. They are found near the entrance of Disraeli Fiord, a long, narrow arm of the sea, on the northern coast of Ellesmere Island. This remote area is part of Quttinirpaaq National Park in Nunavut, Canada.
Contents
Where Are the Marvin Islands?
The Marvin Islands are in a very cold and isolated part of the world. They are located in the Arctic Ocean, which is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five major oceans. It surrounds the North Pole.
Location in Canada
These islands belong to Canada, specifically to the territory of Nunavut. Nunavut is the largest and northernmost territory of Canada. It is known for its vast, icy landscapes and its large Inuit population. The islands are part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region, which is the largest and easternmost administrative region of Nunavut.
Nearby Landforms
The Marvin Islands are situated right across the mouth of Disraeli Fiord. This fiord cuts into the northern part of Ellesmere Island. Ellesmere Island is the third-largest island in Canada and the tenth-largest in the world. It is mostly covered by glaciers and ice caps. To the northwest of the Marvin Islands, you can find Ward Hunt Island.
Quttinirpaaq National Park
The Marvin Islands are located inside Quttinirpaaq National Park. This park is Canada's second-most northerly national park. Its name means "top of the world" in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit people.
What Makes the Park Special?
Quttinirpaaq National Park protects a large area of high Arctic land. It features towering mountains, deep fiords, and vast ice caps. Because it is so far north, the park experiences very long periods of daylight in summer and darkness in winter. It is a place of extreme cold and harsh conditions.
Wildlife in the Park
Even though the Marvin Islands themselves are uninhabited, the surrounding park is home to some amazing Arctic wildlife. You might find animals like muskoxen, Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, and polar bears. Various bird species also visit the park during the warmer months. The cold waters are home to seals and whales.
Why Are the Islands Uninhabited?
The Marvin Islands are uninhabited mainly because of their extreme location. The Arctic environment is very challenging for human life.
Harsh Climate
The islands experience extremely cold temperatures for most of the year. Winters are long, dark, and very harsh. Summers are short and cool. This makes it difficult to grow food or build permanent settlements.
Remote Location
The islands are also very remote. They are far from any major towns or cities, making travel and supplies difficult. This isolation means there are no roads or regular transportation links to the islands.
