essentially isothermal
(Robinson,
1954).
generated by the northeast trade winds,
The circulation,
is from east to west
at the surface with a returning bottom current (Von Arx,
1954).
The estimated time for renewal of water in the lagoon is about
30 days.
The parent material of both soils and the lagoon bottom is
primarily calcium carbonate originating mainly from coralline
algae,
corals and foraminifera.
There is also some accumulation
of pumice drift in the soils.
The natives of the area are Micronesians.
Their agricul-
ture is limited in variety of products and the only significant
export is copra.
time is imported.
About half of the food consumed at the present
Fish and other marine organisms are eaten but
these sources are not exploited as much as they could be.
The
Rongelapese are almost entirely dependent on cisterns as a saurce
of water.
Rainfall in this area is comparatively low and
islets small,
lens.
the
so that there is not a well developed fresh water
There is, however,
some potable water in wells at Rongelap
and Eniaetok Islets.
The native style wattle and palm frond buildings have been
replaced by plywood and aluminum structures built to Rongelapese
specifications by the AEC.
Sanitation habits have been altered
by the advent of pit toilets.