Barents sea

Barents Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, located off the northern coasts of Norway and Russia divided between Norwegian and Russian territorial waters. Known for its rich biodiversity and significant hydrocarbon resources, the Barents Sea plays a crucial role in the economic, ecological, and climatic aspects of the region.

Geography

The Barents Sea is bordered by the Kola Peninsula to the south, the Novaya Zemlya archipelago to the east, and the Svalbard archipelago to the west. The northern boundary is defined by the edge of the continental shelf and the Arctic Ocean to the north. The sea's surface area is approximately 1.4 million square kilometers.

Climate

The Barents Sea has a subarctic climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The Gulf Stream and its extension, the North Atlantic Drift, bring warm Atlantic water into the sea, moderating the climate and boosting biological productivity.

Biodiversity

The Barents Sea is home to a wide range of species, including numerous species of fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. It is one of the world's most productive seas, supporting large populations of cod, haddock, and capelin, among others.

Economy

The Barents Sea is an important source of seafood for Norway and Russia. It also holds significant hydrocarbon resources. Several large oil and gas fields have been discovered in the Norwegian sector, including the Snøhvit gas field and the Johan Castberg field.

Environmental concerns

The Barents Sea is facing several environmental challenges, including overfishing, climate change, and oil and gas development. These activities threaten the sea's biodiversity and could have significant impacts on its ecosystem.

See also

• Arctic exploration
• Arctic policy of Russia
• Arctic policy of Norway