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Enderbury Island, Qn^-of^ifre-smaT^ is roughly 
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rectangular and approximately 3 miles long by 1 mile wide. Unlike 
most of the atolls of the Phoenix group, Enderbury has no real 
lagoon. A lagoon may have existed in the past, but at present only 
a shallow "pond" exists. The depth of this "pond" varies with rain¬ 
fall. The depth v/as only a few inches in September 1973. 
The Phoenix Islands lie in the path of the easterly trade 
winds and the South Equational current from the east. Complete 
meteorological facilities exist only on Canton Island. Meteoro¬ 
logical records indicate a mean annual temperature of 84°F., with 
a mean minimum of 78° and a mean maximum of 90°. Extremes are 
70° and 98°F. Virtually no seasonal change occurs. Relative 
humidity varies from 50-65% during the day to 80% at night. Winds 
vary from 5-21 mph, averaging 12-14 mph, and the prevailing winds 
are from the east to east-northeast. Rainfall on Canton Island is 
quite variable due primarily to changes in the trade winds. Table I 
shows the annual rainfall on Canton from 1938-1973. Examination of 
monthly records {Table II) shows the occurrence of "wet" and "dry" 
periods; however, these periods do not correspond from year to year. 
The available records indicate that "wet" and "dry." months also 
occur on Enderbury Island and that annual rainfall on this island 
typically is less than that on Canton. Hull Island, however, 
receives more rainfall than Canton, and "wet" and "dry" periods 
are less distinct. 
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