Mellum

Mellum

Mellum seen from the mudflat
Geography
Location North Sea
Coordinates 53°43′16″N 8°8′58″E / 53.72111°N 8.14944°E / 53.72111; 8.14944Coordinates: 53°43′16″N 8°8′58″E / 53.72111°N 8.14944°E / 53.72111; 8.14944
Area 3 km2 (1.2 sq mi)
Length 3 km (1.9 mi)
Width 1.8 km (1.12 mi)
Highest elevation 3 m (10 ft)
Administration
Germany
Demographics
Population 0

Mellum is an uninhabited island lying southeast of Wangerooge, off the coastal settlements of Horumersiel and Schillig.

Mellum formed as an island off the end of the Butjadingen peninsula – which divides the outflows into the Wadden Sea of the Jade and Weser rivers – only at the end of the nineteenth century.[1] It is chiefly composed of dunes and tidal marshes. The influence of sea currents and winds is constantly altering the shape and position of the island, which in 2006 had a total surface area of approximately 750 hectares (1853 acres).

An important breeding and feeding ground for wild birds, Mellum is part of the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park and a nature protection zone.[2] The island’s only house is today used during the summer months for wildlife observation and scientific research purposes only.

References

  1. ↑ "Mellum". Ecomare. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Die Insel Mellum - Paradies zwischen Jade und Weser" (in German). Nationalpark wattenmeer. July 23, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2012.


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