The Bering Sea and the USA
The Bering Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean located between Russia and Alaska. It is named after the Danish navigator Vitus Bering, who sighted it in 1741 while leading a Russian expedition. The sea covers an area of approximately 770,000 square miles and is a vital habitat for various marine species, including fish, crab, and whales. It is also known for its volatile weather conditions, with heavy fog, strong winds, and rough seas being common occurrences.
The Bering Sea Location and Features
The Bering Sea is situated in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean, bounded by the Aleutian Islands, the Bering Strait, and the Alaska Peninsula to the east and south, and by Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands to the west. The sea’s average depth is around 160 feet, with the deepest point being the Bowers Basin at 9,800 feet.
The Bering Sea is home to several underwater canyons, including the Zhemchug and Pribilof canyons. The former is one of the largest submarine canyons globally and is home to unique deep-sea ecosystems.
The USA and its Northernmost State, Alaska
The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states, a federal district, and several territories. The country’s northernmost state is Alaska, which is separated from the rest of the United States by Canada. Alaska is the largest state in the USA, covering an area of approximately 663,000 square miles.
Despite its vast size, Alaska is sparsely populated, with less than a million residents. A significant portion of the state is wilderness, with glaciers, mountains, and forests dominating the landscape.
Alaska’s Coastline and the Bering Sea
Alaska has a lengthy coastline of over 6,600 miles, making it the state with the longest coastline in the USA. The state’s western coast borders the Bering Sea, with the Aleutian Islands extending southwest from the mainland.
The Bering Sea’s coastline is characterized by rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and rocky shores. It is also home to numerous bays, coves, and inlets, providing sheltered areas for fishing vessels.
Where Does the Bering Sea Touch Alaska?
The Bering Sea touches Alaska along its western coastline, extending from the Alaska Peninsula in the south to the Bering Strait in the north. The city of Nome, located on the Seward Peninsula, is one of the largest settlements along the Bering Sea coast.
There are several ports and fishing communities along the Bering Sea coast, including Unalaska, Dutch Harbor, and Saint Paul Island. These communities rely heavily on the sea’s resources for their livelihoods.
The Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea
The Aleutian Islands are a chain of islands that extend westward from the Alaska Peninsula towards Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The islands separate the Bering Sea from the North Pacific Ocean and are an essential part of Alaska’s geography.
The Aleutian Islands are volcanic in origin and are known for their rugged terrain, harsh weather conditions, and unique wildlife. The islands are a vital breeding ground for various bird species, including puffins, cormorants, and eagles.
The International Date Line and the Bering Sea
The International Date Line runs through the Bering Sea, roughly following the 180° longitude line. The line marks the boundary between two consecutive calendar days, with the date changing by one day when crossing it from west to east.
The International Date Line also separates Russia and the USA, with the Diomede Islands being the only landmass that straddles the line.
Russia and the Bering Sea
Russia borders the Bering Sea to the west, with the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander Islands being the country’s primary landmasses in the area. The Bering Sea is an essential fishing ground for Russia, with crab, pollock, and salmon being among the most valuable catches.
There are also several Russian settlements along the Bering Sea coast, including Provideniya and Anadyr. These communities have a rich history and culture, with traditional activities such as hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding being prevalent.
The Diomede Islands and the Bering Strait
The Diomede Islands are two small islands located in the middle of the Bering Strait, which separates Russia and the USA. The islands are named after Saint Diomedes, a Christian martyr of the 4th century.
The Diomede Islands are unique in that they straddle the International Date Line, with Big Diomede Island belonging to Russia and Little Diomede Island to the USA. The islands have a combined population of around 200 people, who rely on fishing and subsistence hunting for their livelihoods.
The Border between Russia and the USA
The border between Russia and the USA in the Bering Sea is defined by the Treaty of Saint Petersburg, signed in 1824. The treaty established the boundary as the middle of the Bering Strait, with the Diomede Islands being the only exception.
The border is a significant geopolitical divide, with tensions sometimes arising over issues such as fishing rights and territorial disputes. However, both countries have maintained a cooperative relationship in managing the Bering Sea’s resources.
Wrapping Up: The Bering Sea and the USA’s Geography
The Bering Sea is a unique and important part of the USA’s geography, with its rugged coastline, unique wildlife, and rich history providing a glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. The sea’s proximity to Russia and the International Date Line adds an additional layer of complexity to the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
As climate change and other environmental challenges continue to impact the Bering Sea, it remains to be seen how this vital ecosystem will adapt and evolve in the coming years.
References and Further Reading
- Bering Sea – National Geographic Society
- Alaska – Encyclopedia Britannica
- Aleutian Islands – Encyclopedia Britannica
- Diomede Islands – Encyclopedia Britannica
- Treaty of Saint Petersburg – US Department of State
