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1952 Map of Nunivak Island B-4

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Nunivak Island B-4
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Mekoryuk sits at the northeastern edge of this mid-century survey, serving as a primary settlement on the northern coast of Nunivak Island. The landscape is defined by the volcanic topography of the Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge, where the Ingrijoak Hills and Kimikthak Hills rise above a complex network of tundra lakes and streams. Along the coast, the Mekoryuk River flows toward Cape Etolin, a prominent peninsula marked by seasonal habitation sites like Summer Camp.

Evidence of traditional land use is visible in the numerous portage routes connecting coastal inlets and inland water bodies such as Nanwakshak Lake. The shoreline is heavily articulated with features like Nabaksyalik Pt and Kangeekiktharuk Cove, while offshore hazards including Arwiruk Rock and Kikartik Rock indicate the maritime challenges of the Bering Sea. This survey, compiled from aerial photography taken in the early 1950s, documents the island's geography before significant modern infrastructure development.