<P> At the retreat of the ice sheet, Staten Island was connected by land to Long Island, as the Narrows had not yet formed . Geologists' reckonings of the course of the Hudson River have placed it alternatively through the present course of the Raritan River, south of the island, or through present - day Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay . </P> <P> According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Richmond County has a total area of 102.5 square miles (265 km), of which 58.5 square miles (152 km) is land and 44.0 square miles (114 km) (43%) is water . It is the third - smallest county in New York by land area and fourth - smallest by total area . </P> <P> Staten Island is geographically a part of New Jersey . Staten Island is separated from Long Island by the Narrows and from mainland New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull . Staten Island is positioned at the center of New York Bight, a sharp bend in the shoreline between New Jersey and Long Island . The region is considered vulnerable to sea - level rise . On October 29, 2012, the island experienced severe damage and loss of life along with the destruction of many homes during Hurricane Sandy . </P> <P> In addition to the main island, the borough and county also include several small uninhabited islands: </P>

What is the difference between staten island and long island
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