Island - Revision history

Insularium: /* Island types */

2026-04-11T17:11:46Z

Island types

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 11 April 2026
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	* mortaine island: an island consisting of glacial moraine deposits, i.e., unsorted sediment (clay, sand, gravel, stones)		* mortaine island: an island consisting of glacial moraine deposits, i.e., unsorted sediment (clay, sand, gravel, stones)
	* geest core island: Island whose core consists of geest - i.e. glacial, mostly sandy and nutrient-poor deposits that were not formed by the sea but by glacial processes		* geest core island: Island whose core consists of geest - i.e. glacial, mostly sandy and nutrient-poor deposits that were not formed by the sea but by glacial processes
			* marsh island: an island consisting entirely of marshland (alluvial soil composed of sand, clay, and similar materials)
	* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills		* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills
	* sand island (also called high sand): area formed by ocean currents, consisting of sand or gravel that permanently protrudes from the water		* sand island (also called high sand): area formed by ocean currents, consisting of sand or gravel that permanently protrudes from the water

Insularium at 11:36, 24 February 2026

2026-02-24T11:36:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:36, 24 February 2026
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	'''<br />'''		'''<br />'''

	'''Word history'''		=== '''Word history''' ===

	A piece of land surrounded by water has been given different names in German languages and dialects over the course of time. The first historically documented form is Old High German îsila, from which Middle High German îsele can still be found today in place names such as the Lake Constance island of Isel. This term was derived in the 9th century via Old French isle from īsŭla, the vulgar Latin form of the Latin root term insula, which in addition to ‘island, islet’ can also be found in the meaning ‘rented house’. The origin of this word is not clear. The Latin phrase *en salo, a corruption of the Greek η εν αλι ούσα [ê en ali ousa], ‘the one lying in the salt (sea)’, is usually assumed to be the basic meaning. However, it could also be a diminutive of Ancient Greek νῆσος [nêsos], translated as ‘island, peninsula’.		A piece of land surrounded by water has been given different names in German languages and dialects over the course of time. The first historically documented form is Old High German îsila, from which Middle High German îsele can still be found today in place names such as the Lake Constance island of Isel. This term was derived in the 9th century via Old French isle from īsŭla, the vulgar Latin form of the Latin root term insula, which in addition to ‘island, islet’ can also be found in the meaning ‘rented house’. The origin of this word is not clear. The Latin phrase *en salo, a corruption of the Greek η εν αλι ούσα [ê en ali ousa], ‘the one lying in the salt (sea)’, is usually assumed to be the basic meaning. However, it could also be a diminutive of Ancient Greek νῆσος [nêsos], translated as ‘island, peninsula’.

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	'''Geography'''		=== '''Geography''' ===

	‘The islands are either close to the continents or scattered far from them in the ocean. Sometimes they form larger or smaller, more or less circular island groups (or archipelagos), sometimes they lie one behind the other in rows (island chains). The islands spread across the ocean can be seen as the ridges, crests and peaks of mountains that rise above the surface of the water and whose base lies below sea level. Land that is otherwise surrounded by the sea and only connected to the mainland on one side is called a peninsula. The largest islands are found in the sea area that separates Asia from the Australian continent; surrounded by many smaller ones, they make up the so-called Asian archipelago or Sunda archipelago, which forms the link, as it were, between Asia and Australia. The eastern side of Asia is characterised by a similar archipelago, where, in addition to the large islands of Japan, there are also individual smaller islands and finally long chains of small islands that form a connection with America. Then the sea between North and South America is also filled with larger and smaller islands which, forming a large arc, connect the two halves.		‘The islands are either close to the continents or scattered far from them in the ocean. Sometimes they form larger or smaller, more or less circular island groups (or archipelagos), sometimes they lie one behind the other in rows (island chains). The islands spread across the ocean can be seen as the ridges, crests and peaks of mountains that rise above the surface of the water and whose base lies below sea level. Land that is otherwise surrounded by the sea and only connected to the mainland on one side is called a peninsula. The largest islands are found in the sea area that separates Asia from the Australian continent; surrounded by many smaller ones, they make up the so-called Asian archipelago or Sunda archipelago, which forms the link, as it were, between Asia and Australia. The eastern side of Asia is characterised by a similar archipelago, where, in addition to the large islands of Japan, there are also individual smaller islands and finally long chains of small islands that form a connection with America. Then the sea between North and South America is also filled with larger and smaller islands which, forming a large arc, connect the two halves.

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	'''Ecology'''		=== '''Ecology''' ===

	Islands form ecologically independent units. They isolate terrestrial organisms through the water and isolate the aquatic organisms living on them through the land. This creates so-called ‘endemic’ units that are isolated from others and only occur in a limited area. This special feature means that islands make a major contribution to global biodiversity.		Islands form ecologically independent units. They isolate terrestrial organisms through the water and isolate the aquatic organisms living on them through the land. This creates so-called ‘endemic’ units that are isolated from others and only occur in a limited area. This special feature means that islands make a major contribution to global biodiversity.

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	'''Psychology'''		=== '''Psychology''' ===

	Islands have very different effects on people. Their common denominator ‘is neither the landscape nor their position on the globe, but rather the fact that they are surrounded by water - the character of the water itself is the magical element that offers the islander transformation. The water, this seeming nothingness, is everything at once: moat, barrier, wilderness, source of food and hope and the way out. The ocean, as all seafaring people can attest, is not one place, but many.’ Like the sea, islands also have their own special characteristics.		Islands have very different effects on people. Their common denominator ‘is neither the landscape nor their position on the globe, but rather the fact that they are surrounded by water - the character of the water itself is the magical element that offers the islander transformation. The water, this seeming nothingness, is everything at once: moat, barrier, wilderness, source of food and hope and the way out. The ocean, as all seafaring people can attest, is not one place, but many.’ Like the sea, islands also have their own special characteristics.

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	'''Mythology'''		=== '''Mythology''' ===

	In many cultures, this ‘very last refuge’, the world beyond that promised paradisiacal conditions after death, took the form of an island. On the one hand, it was a place of transition, on the other hand the ‘realm of the dead’, where the ancestors honoured in this life lived, and finally a space of perfect contentment, beauty and harmony.		In many cultures, this ‘very last refuge’, the world beyond that promised paradisiacal conditions after death, took the form of an island. On the one hand, it was a place of transition, on the other hand the ‘realm of the dead’, where the ancestors honoured in this life lived, and finally a space of perfect contentment, beauty and harmony.

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	'''Poetry'''		=== '''Poetry''' ===

	In poetry, islands have a symbolic meaning. They incorporate mythical and psychological elements and are often depicted as places of isolation, fantasy and re-creation. In many cases, islands represent a seclusion that is both physical and metaphorical. And in such places, which serve both contemplation and edification, individuals as well as entire societies can withdraw into themselves and develop a new character. Here, people can find mystical experiences or cosmic renewal.		In poetry, islands have a symbolic meaning. They incorporate mythical and psychological elements and are often depicted as places of isolation, fantasy and re-creation. In many cases, islands represent a seclusion that is both physical and metaphorical. And in such places, which serve both contemplation and edification, individuals as well as entire societies can withdraw into themselves and develop a new character. Here, people can find mystical experiences or cosmic renewal.

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	'''Island types'''		=== '''Island types''' ===

	According to wikipedia, an ‘island’ is a ‘land mass that rises above sea level, even at high tide, that is completely surrounded by water but is not considered a continent. Even man-made structures (bridges, causeways) do not change this convention if nature has provided a complete water environment by then. Sylt is therefore still an island. Accordingly, the Peloponnese is a peninsula - although a canal cuts through the isthmus and connection to Attica. Some countries have extended this definition even further. In Canada, for example, you can only speak of an island if a tree grows on a piece of land. This definition is necessary there, as building is only permitted on such islands.’ (wikipedia 2025)		According to wikipedia, an ‘island’ is a ‘land mass that rises above sea level, even at high tide, that is completely surrounded by water but is not considered a continent. Even man-made structures (bridges, causeways) do not change this convention if nature has provided a complete water environment by then. Sylt is therefore still an island. Accordingly, the Peloponnese is a peninsula - although a canal cuts through the isthmus and connection to Attica. Some countries have extended this definition even further. In Canada, for example, you can only speak of an island if a tree grows on a piece of land. This definition is necessary there, as building is only permitted on such islands.’ (wikipedia 2025)

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	** volcano island: island that was formed by volcanic activity and has one or more volcanoes		** volcano island: island that was formed by volcanic activity and has one or more volcanoes
	** hotspot island: an island located directly above a volcano or dominated by an active volcano		** hotspot island: an island located directly above a volcano or dominated by an active volcano
			* bedrock island: an island that consists almost entirely of very old, Precambrian bedrock (also known as basement or craton core).
	* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island		* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island
	* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion		* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion
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	* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres		* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres
	* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work		* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work




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	~~'''Translations'''~~

			=== '''Translations''' ===
	* Abaknon: isla		* Abaknon: isla
	* Abaza: дзбжьа [dzbžʹa]		* Abaza: дзбжьа [dzbžʹa]

Insularium at 10:52, 28 December 2025

2025-12-28T10:52:08Z

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	* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island		* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island
	* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion		* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion
			* continental island: an island located on a continental shelf near the mainland with complex geological structures
	* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification		* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification
	* limestone island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of limestone		* limestone island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of limestone

Insularium at 08:21, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T08:21:38Z

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	* skerry: island created by post-glacial land uplift		* skerry: island created by post-glacial land uplift
	* sediment island: island consisting of deposited material such as sand or rubble		* sediment island: island consisting of deposited material such as sand or rubble
			* mortaine island: an island consisting of glacial moraine deposits, i.e., unsorted sediment (clay, sand, gravel, stones)
	* geest core island: Island whose core consists of geest - i.e. glacial, mostly sandy and nutrient-poor deposits that were not formed by the sea but by glacial processes		* geest core island: Island whose core consists of geest - i.e. glacial, mostly sandy and nutrient-poor deposits that were not formed by the sea but by glacial processes
	* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills		* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills
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	* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres		* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres
	* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work		* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work

Insularium at 19:29, 9 September 2025

2025-09-09T19:29:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 9 September 2025
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	* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification		* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification
	* limestone island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of limestone		* limestone island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of limestone
			* granite island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of granite
	* coral island: island formed by corals		* coral island: island formed by corals
	** cay (also spelled caye or key): a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef		** cay (also spelled caye or key): a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef

Insularium at 05:30, 20 June 2025

2025-06-20T05:30:50Z

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	* water-level dependent island: an island located in an inland body of water, especially in a reservoir, that can be reached on foot at low tide		* water-level dependent island: an island located in an inland body of water, especially in a reservoir, that can be reached on foot at low tide
	* inland peninsula: inland island with a causeway or bridge connection to the mainland or another island		* inland peninsula: inland island with a causeway or bridge connection to the mainland or another island
	** causeway island: a piece of land connected to the mainland or ~~another~~ island by a causeway		** causeway island: a piece of land connected to the mainland or a bigger island by a causeway
	** bridge island: piece of land connected to the mainland or ~~another~~ island by one or more bridges		** bridge island: piece of land connected to the mainland or a bigger island by one or more bridges
	** tied island or land-tied island: a piece of land connected to the mainland or ~~another~~ island by a tombolo or a spit of land made of beach material connected to the mainland at both ends		** tied island or land-tied island: a piece of land connected to the mainland or a bigger island by a tombolo (dune or sand strip) or a spit of land made of beach material connected to the mainland at both ends

Insularium at 06:58, 18 June 2025

2025-06-18T06:58:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:58, 18 June 2025
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	* volcanic island: island created by volcanic activity		* volcanic island: island created by volcanic activity
			** volcano island: island that was formed by volcanic activity and has one or more volcanoes
	** hotspot island: an island located directly above a volcano or dominated by an active volcano		** hotspot island: an island located directly above a volcano or dominated by an active volcano
	* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island		* rock or rocky island: from a rocky outcrop in the water (in its most minimal form a boulder) to a smaller rocky island

Insularium at 17:21, 22 May 2025

2025-05-22T17:21:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:21, 22 May 2025
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	* skerry: island created by post-glacial land uplift		* skerry: island created by post-glacial land uplift
	* sediment island: island consisting of deposited material such as sand or rubble		* sediment island: island consisting of deposited material such as sand or rubble
			* geest core island: Island whose core consists of geest - i.e. glacial, mostly sandy and nutrient-poor deposits that were not formed by the sea but by glacial processes
	* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills		* dune island; island formed by sand or gravel deposits with raised sand hills
	* sand island (also called high sand): area formed by ocean currents, consisting of sand or gravel that permanently protrudes from the water		* sand island (also called high sand): area formed by ocean currents, consisting of sand or gravel that permanently protrudes from the water

Insularium at 07:34, 21 May 2025

2025-05-21T07:34:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 21 May 2025
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	* sandbank (also called gravel bank): area formed by deposits of sand or gravel, which is usually below or only just above the water level in seas or inland waters		* sandbank (also called gravel bank): area formed by deposits of sand or gravel, which is usually below or only just above the water level in seas or inland waters
	* shoal: a natural submerged ridge, bank or jetty consisting of or covered with sand or other unconsolidated material rising from the bottom of a body of water near or above the surface		* shoal: a natural submerged ridge, bank or jetty consisting of or covered with sand or other unconsolidated material rising from the bottom of a body of water near or above the surface
			* wadden island: an island located in the Wadden Sea and formed by the deposition of sand and silt in the tidal area
	* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres		* floating island (also called floaton, sud, or tussock): an accumulation of floating aquatic plants, mud and peat that can reach a thickness of several metres
	* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work		* artificial island: an island created by man through sand filling or construction work

Insularium at 07:50, 1 May 2025

2025-05-01T07:50:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:50, 1 May 2025
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	* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion		* tectonic island: island formed by tectonic processes and erosion
	* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification		* karst island: an island consisting of karst rock (limestone, dolomite, gypsum, salt rocks) and whose landscape and geology are characterised by karstification
			* limestone island: island whose geological base material consists predominantly of limestone
	* coral island: island formed by corals		* coral island: island formed by corals
	** cay (also spelled caye or key): a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef		** cay (also spelled caye or key): a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef