St. Matthew Island (IMAGE) University of Alaska Fairbanks Caption A view of St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea. Isotope analysis of a peat sample from the island allowed researchers to determine sea ice extent in the region for the past 5,500 years. Credit NOAA Usage Restrictions Credit NOAA License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.