note: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year by scientists who left in 1958; public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (July 2001 est.)
Elevation:
highest point: unnamed location 7 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard
Climate:
tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun
