White Sea

The White Sea is an inlet of the Barents Sea, located in northwestern Russia. It is a large, deep, and relatively shallow body of water, with a unique ecosystem and a rich history. The White Sea is named for the white nights that occur during the summer months when the sun barely sets below the horizon.

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Moustache sculpin – Triglops murrayi

Rock gunnel – Pholis gunnellus

European flounder – Platichthys flesus

Shorthorn sculpin – Myoxocephalus scorpius

Striped seasnail – Liparis liparis

Daubed shanny – Leptoclinus maculatus

Starry ray – Amblyraja radiata

European eel – Anguilla anguilla

Basking Shark – Cetorhinus maximus

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Geography and Geology

The White Sea is a deep inlet of the Barents Sea, connected to it by the narrow Gorlo Strait. It is located between the Kola Peninsula to the north and west, and the Onega Peninsula to the east. The White Sea is characterized by its numerous islands, inlets, and bays, including the Kandalaksha Gulf, the Onega Gulf, and the Dvina Bay. The White Sea is also home to a number of large rivers, including the Northern Dvina, the Onega, and the Mezen.

The White Sea is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 67 meters (220 ft), and a maximum depth of 340 meters (1,120 ft). The seafloor is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, with some areas of bedrock exposed. The White Sea is also notable for its large tidal range, which can reach up to 4 meters (13 ft) in some areas.

Climate

The White Sea experiences a subarctic climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool, humid summers. The average temperature in January is -13 °C (9 °F), while the average temperature in July is 14 °C (57 °F). The White Sea is generally ice-covered from November to May, with the ice sometimes extending as far south as the Gorlo Strait.

Fauna

The White Sea is home to a diverse range of marine life, including fish, mammals, and invertebrates. The most common fish species include cod, herring, salmon, and flounder. Marine mammals include seals, whales, and dolphins. The White Sea also supports a rich variety of invertebrates, such as crabs, lobsters, and sea anemones. The White Sea is particularly known for its large populations of harp seals, which breed on the ice in the spring.

Economic Importance

The White Sea has been an important economic resource for centuries. The sea is home to a significant fishing industry, and the region is also rich in timber resources. The White Sea is also an important transportation route, connecting the interior of Russia to the Barents Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The White Sea has been inhabited for thousands of years. The first inhabitants of the region were the Sami people, who were followed by the Russians in the 11th century. The White Sea played a significant role in the development of Russia, serving as a major trade route and a base for Russian expansion eastward.

The White Sea has been the site of numerous historical events, including the founding of the city of Arkhangelsk in 1584, the exploration of the Arctic by Russian explorers, and the development of the Soviet naval base at Severomorsk. The White Sea is also home to a number of historic sites, including the Solovetsky Islands, which were once the site of a monastery and a notorious Soviet gulag.

Surrounding Countries

The White Sea is bordered by only one country: Russia.

Key Facts

  • Size: 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 sq mi)
  • Average Depth: 67 meters (220 ft)
  • Maximum Depth: 340 meters (1,120 ft)
  • Water Temperature: Average -13 °C (9 °F) in January, 14 °C (57 °F) in July
  • Tidal Range: Up to 4 meters (13 ft) in some areas
  • Ice Cover: Generally from November to May