SOS MALDEN ISLAND * 04°03'S 154°59'W LINE ISLANDS General Malden Island is administered directly by the British High Commissioner of the Western Pacific. This island has remained uninhabited since the AEC Dominic Program was completed in 1962. Physical Data This island is a flat, triangular-shaped barrier reef measuring about 5-mi. by 4-mi., enclosing a large lagoon with no entrance or exits to the sea. The land area of about 10,700 acres is almost barren but covered with stunted vegetation in the wetter sections. A narrow fringing reef not exceeding 200-ft. in width encircles the island except for an open beach area of about 200~-ft. located on the west shore. A sandy rim or beach crest circumventing the island varies in elevation from 15-ft. on the east side to 25 to 30-ft. on the northwest, southwest and west sides. The beach rises sharply from the water's edge. Beach materials grade from course coral sand through fine gravel into coarse gravel and coral pebbles. Extending inland, successive ridges with elevations to 8-ft. have been formed by wind and wave action. The enclosed lagoon rises and falls with the tide, alternately exposing and covering with brackish water considerable areas of muddy flat land. Vegetation is Sparse, only about 10 species are found here; mainly grasses, herbs and low bushes of Sida Fallax. The only trees are a dozen stunted Pisonia on the beach crest and a few coconut palms. Seabirds are abundant, including large colonies of sooty tern. Climate The winds blow almost entirely from the east most of the year. Seldom do temperatures rise above 92°F or drop much below 72°F. Annual rainfall varies between 20-in. to 40-in. with a yearly average of about 27-in. The rainy season is from January to May; however, 7-in. of precipitation have been recorded in July with as much as 10-in. in March. Fog is unknown. Facilities Water is scarce; therefore, previous occupants provided conden-~ sors and fresh water storage basins. A 4,800 x 100-ft. hard packed coral airstrip is located on the west end of the island. Anchorage off the island is precarious; the best area is off the western end where boats can land through a gap in the reef on the open beach area. Strong off shore currents cause beach boat landings to be dangerous. * Ownership in dispute between the United Kingdom and the United States. 42-1 VOL II April 1969