Chukchi Sea

The Chukchi Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, located between the Chukchi Peninsula of Russia and the northwestern coast of Alaska in the United States. It is connected to the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Bering Sea to the south, and the Beaufort Sea to the west. The sea is named after the indigenous Chukchi people who inhabit the region.

Walrus – Odobenus rosmarus

Arctic staghorn sculpin – Gymnocanthus tricuspis

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Beluga – Delphinapterus leucas

Bobtail Trophon – Boreotrophon truncatus

Football Jersey Worm – Tubulanus annulatus

Arctic shanny – Stichaeus punctatus

Phoca largha

Clawed Sea Spider, Spiny-thigh Sea Spider, Sea Spider – Phoxichilidium femoratum

Cactus Worm – Priapulus caudatus

Next

Geography

The Chukchi Sea covers an area of approximately 595,000 square kilometers (230,000 square miles) and has an average depth of 73 meters (240 feet). The deepest point is about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) deep. The sea is characterized by a wide, shallow continental shelf that extends far out into the Arctic Ocean. The seabed is mostly covered in sediment, with some areas of rock and gravel.

Fauna

The Chukchi Sea is home to a diverse array of marine life, including:

  • Mammals: Polar bears, walruses, seals (ringed, bearded, harp, spotted), bowhead whales, beluga whales, narwhals, and gray whales.
  • Birds: Numerous seabirds, including gulls, auks, puffins, and eiders.
  • Fish: Arctic cod, Pacific cod, salmon, halibut, and flounder.
  • Invertebrates: Various species of zooplankton, including copepods and krill, which are essential food sources for many marine animals.

Surrounding Countries

The Chukchi Sea is bordered by two countries:

  • Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)
  • United States (Alaska)

Climate

The Chukchi Sea has a harsh Arctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average annual temperature is below freezing. Sea ice covers the sea for most of the year, typically from October to June. During the summer months, the sea ice melts, opening up shipping lanes and providing access to marine resources.

Water Temperature

Water temperatures in the Chukchi Sea vary significantly depending on the season and location. During the summer, surface water temperatures can reach above freezing (0°C), but they are generally below 5°C (41°F). In the winter, surface waters are typically below freezing.

Economic Importance

The Chukchi Sea is an important area for subsistence fishing, hunting, and oil and gas exploration. The indigenous peoples of the region, including the Chukchi, Inupiat, and Yupik, have long relied on the sea's resources for their livelihoods. Oil and gas exploration is a growing industry in the region, but it is also a source of environmental concern.