Geography
The island measures 11 km (7 mi) north–south and 6 km (4 mi) east-west, and has an area of 44.6 km2 (17 sq mi). It is densely wooded and very mountainous and is marked by ridges and numerous deep ravines lead to a steep, rugged coast on the east side of the island off which are tremendous depths. The coastal cliffs are up to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) high. The south, west and north sides of the island have sandy strips of beach which extend 161 m (528 ft) offshore in places. The highest peak, Cerro de Los Inocentes, rises to 1,329 m (4,360 ft) at the of the southwest side of Alejandro Selkirk Island, and at the southwest extremity there is a prominent rock with a hole through it.
Landing is possible near the center of the east shore at Quebrada Sanchez, and at the foot of Quebrada Las Casas 33°45′S 80°43′W / 33.75°S 80.717°W / -33.75; -80.717), where there is a boat slip and buildings of the former penal colony. Anchorage can be taken about 0.3 mi (483 m) ENE of Quebrada Sanchez (33°43′S 80°44′W / 33.717°S 80.733°W / -33.717; -80.733), in depths of 40.2 m (132 ft) to 49.4 m (162 ft). The ravine is recognized by a white patch on a hill near it. Anchorage can also be taken, in depths of 31.1 m (102 ft) to 50 m (164 ft), with sand bottom, off Rada de la Colonia.
Dating of rocks on the island show that it is the youngest of the Juan Fernández Islands at an age of 1 – 2 million years old. Due to its young age, the island shows little evidence of erosion. About 59 km (37 mi) southwest of the island is the submerged Sefton Reef (36°43′S 83°15′W / 36.717°S 83.25°W / -36.717; -83.25), almost reaching sea level, and 47 km (29 mi) to northwest, Yosemite Rock (32°04′S 83°14′W / 32.067°S 83.233°W / -32.067; -83.233). Podesta Island, once reported to lay farther to the west, is a phantom island.
Read more about this topic: Alejandro Selkirk Island
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