Alaska, the 49th state of the United States, is the largest state in the country with over 663,000 square miles of land. It is known for its vast wilderness, high peaks, glaciers, and unique wildlife. Alaska is also famous for its abundant water resources, which include three bodies of water that encircle the state. These three bodies of water play a vital role in Alaska’s economy, culture, and ecology.
The Three Bodies of Water
The three bodies of water that encircle Alaska are the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. The Bering Sea is located to the southwest of Alaska, separating it from Russia. The Chukchi Sea is situated to the north of the Bering Sea, while the Arctic Ocean bounds the state to the north and east. These three bodies of water form a natural barrier that isolates Alaska from the rest of the country.
The Bering Sea
The Bering Sea is a shallow sea that covers an area of approximately 770,000 square miles. It is rich in marine life, including crab, salmon, halibut, and pollock. The sea is also home to many seabirds, such as puffins, auklets, and kittiwakes. The Bering Sea is known for its harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy fog, and rough seas. It is also a vital fishing ground, supporting the livelihoods of many Alaskans.
The Chukchi Sea
The Chukchi Sea covers an area of approximately 200,000 square miles and is located north of the Bering Sea. It is known for its abundant wildlife, including whales, seals, and walruses. The sea is also a critical habitat for many bird species, including the endangered spectacled eider. The Chukchi Sea is essential for maintaining the traditional way of life for many indigenous communities in Alaska.
The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world’s oceans, covering an area of approximately 5.4 million square miles. It is located to the north and east of Alaska, and its waters are frozen for most of the year. The Arctic Ocean is home to many unique marine species, such as the polar bear, narwhal, and beluga whale. It is also a vital part of the global climate system, helping to regulate the Earth’s temperature.
Location of the Three Bodies of Water
The Bering Sea is located to the west of Alaska, separating it from Russia. The Chukchi Sea is situated to the north of the Bering Sea and is bounded by Alaska, Russia, and Canada. The Arctic Ocean is located to the north and east of Alaska and is bounded by Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Norway.
Climate of the Bodies of Water
The climate of the bodies of water that encircle Alaska varies depending on the season and location. The Bering Sea has a subarctic climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The Chukchi Sea has a polar climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The Arctic Ocean has an Arctic climate, with freezing temperatures and ice cover for most of the year.
Flora and Fauna of the Bodies of Water
The bodies of water that encircle Alaska are rich in flora and fauna. The Bering Sea is home to many fish species, including salmon, halibut, and crab. It is also home to many seabirds, such as puffins, auklets, and kittiwakes. The Chukchi Sea is known for its abundant wildlife, including whales, seals, and walruses. The Arctic Ocean is home to many unique marine species, such as the polar bear, narwhal, and beluga whale.
Importance of the Bodies of Water to Alaska
The bodies of water that encircle Alaska are essential to the state’s economy, culture, and ecology. They provide a vital source of food and income for many Alaskans, supporting the fishing and tourism industries. They are also critical for maintaining the traditional way of life for many indigenous communities in Alaska. Additionally, they play a crucial role in regulating the global climate, helping to maintain the Earth’s temperature.
Relationship of the Bodies of Water to Alaska’s Communities
The bodies of water that encircle Alaska are intimately connected to the state’s communities. They provide a source of food and income for many Alaskans, supporting the subsistence and commercial fishery industries. They are also an integral part of the cultural traditions of many indigenous communities in Alaska. The bodies of water provide a means of transportation and communication for many remote communities, connecting them to the outside world.
Conclusion
The bodies of water that encircle Alaska are a vital part of the state’s natural resources. They provide food, income, and transportation for many Alaskans, as well as playing a vital role in regulating the global climate. The Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Arctic Ocean are home to many unique species of flora and fauna, making them a crucial part of the state’s ecology.
References
Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (2021). Bering Sea. https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=beringsea.main
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2021). Chukchi Sea. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/gestures.html?catalogId=ALL&datasetId=710004
National Snow and Ice Data Center. (2021). Arctic Ocean. https://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/