| − | The '''Kuril Islands''' are a chain of 22 primary [[island]]s and 32 small [[islet]]s in the [[Russian Far East]], part of Sakhalinskaya Oblast' (Сахалинская область). The 22 primary islands are called: Antsiferova, Atlasova, Broutona, Chirinkotan, Chirpoy, Ekarma, Habomai Islands, Iturup, Ketoy, Kharimkotan, Kunashir, Makanrushi, Matua, Onekotan, Paramushir, Raikoke, Rasshua, Shiashkotan, Shumshu, Simushir, Urup & Ushishir. The names of these islands were officially named and combined from both the Japanese and the Russians. These islands sits on top of two topographical compositions: the [[Greater Kuril Ridge]] and the [[Lesser Kuril Ridge]]. Both of these ridges parallels one another, one from the North end and the South. The sections which divides the Kuril Islands can have straits as deep as 6,561 feet below, close to the approximate measurement of the highest peak on one of the islands called, [[Vulkan Alaid]], which is 7,673 feet above sea level. The largest gap recorded between these straits can be as wide as 37 miles. | + | The '''Kuril Islands''' are a chain of 22 primary [[island]]s and 32 small [[islet]]s in off the eastern coast of [[Russia]], part of Sakhalinskaya Oblast (Сахалинская область). The 22 primary islands are: Antsiferova, Atlasova, Broutona, Chirinkotan, Chirpoy, Ekarma, Habomai Islands, Iturup, Ketoy, Kharimkotan, Kunashir, Makanrushi, Matua, Onekotan, Paramushir, Raikoke, Rasshua, Shiashkotan, Shumshu, Simushir, Urup & Ushishir. The official names of these big islands derived from both the Japanese and the Russians. These islands sits on top of two topographical compositions: the [[Greater Kuril Ridge]] and the [[Lesser Kuril Ridge]]. Both of these ridges parallel one another, one from the North end and the South. The deepest recorded depth from the Kuril Islands is a strait that measures 6,561 feet below sea level & the highest recorded peak is on an island named, [[Vulkan Alaid]], that measures 7,673 feet above sea level. The largest gap of one strait recorded is 37 miles wide. |