At 211 km2 (81.5 sq mi),[1] it is one of the larger islands in the Uummannaq Fjord system, located in its north-central part.

[2] It is very mountainous, with precipitous walls falling from the glaciated summit plateau in all directions.

[2] Qaqortuatsiaq, located on the northern coast of Appat near the shore of the Torsukattak Strait, is a former marble quarry,[4] now abandoned.

[5] Mining activities in the area are likely to resume in the future,[6] providing an economic lifeline to the communities of the Uummannaq region, keeping the relatively new Qaarsut Airport open.

[6] The island can be reached via individually chartered fishing boats from Saattut, the settlement on a skerry off the southeastern cape, or from Ukkusissat to the northwest.