Skerry

Skerry is a small rocky island or reef, usually low-lying and barren, that rises above the sea. The term is used in Nordic and British maritime vocabulary and comes from Old Norse sker, meaning a rock or reef.

Formation and characteristics: Skerries are typically the result of coastal erosion, glacial retreat, or the differential weathering of rock along shorelines. They can occur singly or as part of a larger coastal archipelago. Skerries often remain just above water at low tide, exposing rugged surfaces that are swept by salt spray and waves. Vegetation is usually sparse, with lichens, mosses, and hardy grasses sometimes present.

Distribution and use: The term is most common in the North Atlantic and surrounding seas, including Scotland and Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and parts of Scandinavia. Skerries can pose hazards to navigation, which is why many are marked by lighthouses or beacons. Some support seabird colonies or grazing for livestock, but most are uninhabited and ecologically fragile.

Terminology: In contrast to islets, skerries are typically rocky outcrops that may be exposed to the elements; reefs are submerged rock formations. Usage varies regionally.