Laptev Sea

The Laptev Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, located north of Siberia. It is bordered to the west by the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago, to the east by the New Siberian Islands, and to the south by the mainland coast of Russia. With an area of approximately 672,000 square kilometers (260,000 sq mi), it is the third-largest marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, after the Kara Sea and the Barents Sea.

Walrus – Odobenus rosmarus

John dory – Zeus faber

Arctic staghorn sculpin – Gymnocanthus tricuspis

Beluga – Delphinapterus leucas

Jointed Hydroid – Thuiaria articulata

Rock gunnel – Pholis gunnellus

European flounder – Platichthys flesus

Sea lamprey – Petromyzon marinus

Cactus Worm – Priapulus caudatus

Elegant Sea-spider – Nymphon brevirostre

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Geography

The Laptev Sea is characterized by its shallow depth, averaging around 533 meters (1,749 ft), with a maximum depth of 3,385 meters (11,106 ft). The sea is dominated by a vast, gently sloping continental shelf. The Laptev Sea is a relatively young sea, formed during the Quaternary period as a result of the melting of the last ice sheet. The sea is mostly covered with ice for most of the year, with the ice cover reaching its maximum extent in March and April, and breaking up in July and August.

Climate

The Laptev Sea experiences a harsh Arctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average January temperature is around -30 °C (-22 °F), while the average July temperature is around 0 °C (32 °F). The sea is also characterized by strong winds and frequent storms. The annual precipitation is low, averaging around 200 millimeters (8 in).

Fauna

The Laptev Sea is home to a rich variety of marine life, including:

  • Fish: Arctic cod, polar cod, capelin, saffron cod, halibut, sculpin
  • Mammals: walrus, ringed seal, bearded seal, harp seal, polar bear, beluga whale, narwhal
  • Birds: common eider, long-tailed duck, ivory gull, snow bunting, little auk

The sea is also an important breeding ground for many species of birds, including the common eider, the long-tailed duck, and the ivory gull.

Surrounding Countries

The Laptev Sea is surrounded by the Russian Federation. The main port cities on the coast of the Laptev Sea are Tiksi, Khatanga, and Chokurdakh.

Economic Importance

The Laptev Sea is a rich source of natural resources, including oil and gas, minerals, and fish. However, the harsh climate and the remoteness of the region have limited economic development. The sea is also an important transportation route for shipping goods between the European part of Russia and the Russian Far East.

Environmental Issues

The Laptev Sea is facing a number of environmental challenges, including:

  • Climate change, which is causing the sea ice to melt and retreat, leading to changes in the ecosystem
  • Pollution from industrial activities and shipping
  • Overfishing, which is threatening the sustainability of fish stocks