Encompassed by the Coast of Siberia, the New Siberian Islands, Cape Billings, the Arctic Cape, and the Wrangel Island, the East Siberian Sea is located in the Arctic Ocean.The Chukchi Sea and the Laptev Sea also border the East Siberian Sea. A severe climate condition prevails here with temperatures as low as -22-33 F (-30-0.6 C) and extreme wind speed.Due to the relentless cold accompanied by harsh southerly winds, the East Siberian Sea region hosts very few plants and animals. The entire sea covers around 381,000 sq mi or 987,000 sq. km of area. Prior to getting its official name by the Soviet Government in 1935, the sea was called by various names, including Ledovitoe, Severnoe, and Kolymskoe.Summers are accompanied by frequent fogs, slow sea currents, and low tides. The sea ice completely melts only during the months of August and September.The sea coast was previously colonized by the Chukchi people and the Yukaghir people of northern Siberia. These native tribes were joined by the Evens, Evenks, as well as the Yakuts during the second century.Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating East Siberian Sea.If you liked learning about the East Siberian Sea in this article, then do check out the Andaman Sea and the Archipelago Sea here on Kidadl.East Siberian Sea ExplorationConsidered by many researchers to be one of the least studied Arctic seas, the East Siberian Sea was first navigated by the Russian sea-farers in the early 17th Century. In 1648, Fedot Alekseev and Semyon Dezhnev followed the coast in the bearing region and sailed from the Kolyma River to the Anadyr River.It is the most dangerous sea for Arctic shipping. A recent study revealed that plenty of ship accidents took place in the Arctic waters of Northern Siberia. It has the highest risk of ship collision. The harsh climate creates an ice cover all around the year, which makes it accident-prone. The Arctic Cape is considered to be the starting point of expeditions in the north pole.In spite of such severe conditions, the East Siberian coastal waters impart a magnificent view for travelers. The walks in the tundra biome of the Wrangel Island (which separates the East Siberian Sea and the Chukchi Sea, is located on the 180th meridian) and the New Siberian Islands during the daytime bestows unfathomable views. The scarce wildlife in this region also attracts tourists. The occasional polar bears waving their hands at tourists or the sudden plunge of a bowhead whale amuses the viewers. The cultural demonstrations by the nearby villagers in the Ayon Island and their extraordinary hospitality make it worth exploring.Important Geographical FeaturesWith a coastline of 1,874 mi (3,016 km), the Sea experiences shallow depths of 164 ft (50 m), while the greatest depth is located at about 492 ft (150 m). There are a few bays and gulfs located in the southern part of the sea. These are the Kolyma Bay, Chaunskaya Bay, and the Kolyma Gulf. Low-lying slopes form the western coast of the sea, while steep mountainous slopes form the eastern coastline.Along with a total catchment area of 518,149 sq. mi (1.342 million sq. km), some large rivers are also located here. These are the Chukochya, Alazeya, Chaun, Kolyma, Pegtymel, and Rauchua, Indigirka Rivers. The East Siberian Lowlands surround the sea on the southern coast.A few island groups are located along the sea coast, including the New Siberian Islands, the Ayon Island, Novosibirsk island, and the Wrangel Island.Important Cities/Towns Along The East Siberian SeaPevek is the only city around the East Siberian coast. It has a population of about 5,000 people. Gold mines were discovered near this city as well as in Leningradsky, many of which have been discontinued. In fact, the Kolyma Gulf is famous for the gold mines and the Gulag labor camps.The coastal settlement in the Ambarchik was used to transport prisoners in the 1930s. It is located around the delta of the Kolyma bay. They were transported in the northern camps of the Gulag system.Most of the economic activities in the East Siberian sea involve the transportation of goods and mining. Due to the ice-covered sea throughout the year, navigation is restricted to the months of August and September only when the ice melts, and the sea level rises. Commercial fishing is not much developed in the northern shores of the Arctic ocean and is seldom practiced by the local people. Some of the major ports found along the coast of the East Siberian Sea are the Ambarchik in the Sakha Republic and Pevek in Chaunskaya bay. The western parts of the sea are shallower.Flora And FaunaThe East Siberian Sea possesses scanty marine diversity. The Laptev Sea and the Chukchi Sea are seldom used for fishing. Some of the fish species available in the East Siberian Sea are smelt, grayling, saffron cod, flounder, polar cod, and the Arctic char. Other valuable fish like the muksun, broad, and omul is also found in the East Siberian Sea.Many species of birds are also spotted near the western shore of the sea. Seagulls and cormorants are frequently spotted preying on the fish species from the river mouth and near the islands in the north of the East Siberian Sea. Different species of whales are seen diving quite often. The most notable among them in the East Siberian Sea are gray whales, bowhead whales, beluga, and narwhal.Animals like polar bears, walruses, bearded seals, and ringed seals are also commonly seen along the west coasts of the East Siberian Sea. Among these, polar bears are spotted mostly near the west coast of the sea and are admired by tourists. Apart from the birds, animals, and marine life, plankton bloom in abundance in the summer months of August and September in the East Siberian Sea.Protecting The SeasBeing perhaps one of the most remote areas in the world, the residents of the Arctic rely on the East Siberian Sea to sustain their life. It is also the home of several animal and fish species. One of the greatest bird migrations on the planet is seen in this region every year. It is, therefore, necessary to conserve the Arctic seas in order to maintain a balanced ecosystem.Due to the increased rate of global warming, the Arctic ice caps are melting at a much faster pace. Thus, the seasonal sea ice is at a rapid decline. Animals like polar bears, walruses, and Arctic seals, who are completely dependent on the sea ice, are in grave danger as many scientists predict that the entire polar ice cap will melt by the year 2023.However, with the increased melting of the sea ice, the East Siberian Sea is more accessible to the people for utilizing it as a trade route. Many cruise ships are also traveling in these waters with thousands of tourists every year.Many projects are put forth to protect the Arctic circle. The use and consumption of fossil fuels should be reduced in order to lessen the impact of carbon emissions. More such practical steps should be adopted at the earliest before we lose the Arctic magnificence in natural forms such as the East Siberian Sea.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for the East Siberian Sea then why not take a look at Arabian Sea facts or the Alboran Sea facts?
Encompassed by the Coast of Siberia, the New Siberian Islands, Cape Billings, the Arctic Cape, and the Wrangel Island, the East Siberian Sea is located in the Arctic Ocean.
