Enewetak Atoll (formerly known as Eniwetok Atoll) is a large coral atoll of 40 islands in the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is situated approximately 525 nautical miles (972 km) northwest of the capital, Majuro. The atoll has a total land area of approximately 5.85 square kilometers (2.26 sq mi) surrounding a deep central lagoon of 80 kilometers (50 mi) in circumference.
Geography
Enewetak is one of the largest atolls in the Marshall Islands. Its islands are low-lying, characteristic of coral atolls, and typically covered with coconut palms and other tropical vegetation. The atoll's lagoon, with an average depth of 50 meters (164 ft), is one of the deepest and largest in the world, capable of accommodating large ships.
History
Early History and European Contact
Enewetak has been inhabited by Micronesian peoples for centuries, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 2,000 years. The first European to record sighting Enewetak was the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña y Neira in 1568. It later came under German colonial rule in the late 19th century as part of the German Protectorate of the Marshall Islands.
Japanese Mandate
Following World War I, Enewetak, along with the rest of the Marshall Islands, became part of the Japanese South Seas Mandate administered by the Empire of Japan. During World War II, the Japanese fortified the atoll as a strategic outpost. The Battle of Eniwetok took place in February 1944, resulting in the capture of the atoll by United States forces after fierce fighting.
US Nuclear Weapons Testing
After World War II, Enewetak became part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, administered by the United States. Between 1948 and 1958, the United States conducted 43 nuclear weapons tests at Enewetak Atoll. These tests included some of the most powerful ever detonated, such as:
- Operation Greenhouse (1951): Tested design principles for thermonuclear weapons.
- Ivy Mike (1952): The first successful test of a full-scale thermonuclear device, detonated on the island of Elugelab, which vaporized the island and created a crater 6,240 feet (1.9 km) wide and 164 feet (50 m) deep.
- Operation Castle (1954): Included the Castle Bravo test, though this was conducted at Bikini Atoll, Enewetak was part of the broader testing program.
The indigenous population of Enewetak was forcibly relocated, primarily to Ujelang Atoll, prior to the testing program.
Cleanup and Resettlement
From 1977 to 1980, the United States conducted a massive cleanup effort known as "Project Cactus." This involved collecting contaminated soil and debris from the various islands and entombing it in a concrete dome constructed over a nuclear test crater on Runit Island. This dome, known as the Runit Dome or "Cactus Dome," contains over 111,000 cubic yards (85,000 m³) of radioactive material. Despite the cleanup, concerns about residual radiation and the long-term integrity of the Runit Dome persist.
In 1980, some of the displaced Enewetak Islanders were allowed to return to the southern part of the atoll, specifically the main island of Enewetak. However, many northern islands remain too contaminated for permanent habitation.
Current Status
Enewetak Atoll is now part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which gained independence in 1986. The atoll's economy is largely subsistence-based, with fishing and limited agriculture. The legacy of nuclear testing continues to impact the lives of the residents through environmental degradation, health concerns, and ongoing challenges related to resettlement and compensation. The atoll remains a site of international interest regarding the long-term effects of nuclear testing and environmental remediation.