Shikotan

(also Stkotan), the largest island in the Lesser Chain of the Kuril Islands of the USSR. Shikotan, which has a rugged coast, covers an area of 182 sq km and rises to an elevation of 412 m. Shikotan is composed of volcanic rocks and sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous and Cenozoic. Groves of Sakhalin fir (Abies sachalinensis), Kuril larch, and deciduous trees and low-growing bamboo are found on the slopes, and dwarf junipers grow on the crests. Oceanic meadows are found on the coastal terraces. The populated points Malokuril’skoe and Krabozavodskoe are located on the island. Economic activities include fishing and hunting of sea animals.