Bering sea

Bering Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises a deep water basin, which then rises through a narrow slope into the shallower water above the continental shelves.

Geography

The Bering Sea is separated from the Gulf of Alaska by the Alaska Peninsula. It covers over 2,000,000 square kilometers and is bordered by Alaska to the east, the Aleutian Islands to the south, and the Russian Far East to the west. The Sea's largest depth is 4,097 meters (13,442 feet). The Bering Sea is named after Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator in Russian service, who, in 1728, was the first European to systematically explore it, sailing from the Pacific Ocean northward to the Arctic Ocean.

Climate

The Bering Sea has a subarctic climate with strong winds and frequent storms, especially during the winter months. The summer months are foggy, making navigation difficult. The Bering Sea's surface temperature varies from -1.5°C in winter to 5-6°C in summer.

Ecosystem

The Bering Sea is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It supports large populations of seabirds, marine mammals, and fish. The sea is famous for its lucrative king crab fishery. Other species such as walrus, seals, whales, and sea lions are also found in the Bering Sea.

Economy

The Bering Sea's economy is heavily dependent on fishing. The sea is rich in seafood, including crab, pollock, cod, and salmon, making it one of the world's most productive fishing grounds.

Environmental Concerns

The Bering Sea ecosystem is facing a number of environmental threats, including overfishing, climate change, and ocean acidification. These threats pose significant challenges to the sea's wildlife and the communities that depend on it for their livelihood.

See Also

• Arctic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Alaska Peninsula
• Aleutian Islands
• Vitus Bering