The White Sea is located in the north of the Russian Federation. Its water area belongs to the Arctic Ocean basin. Almost all of its territory is located south of the Arctic Circle, only the northern regions are outside the circle. It is separated from the Barents Sea by a conventional border that runs from Cape Svyatoy Nos to Kanin Nos.
Climate and relief
The map of the White Sea clearly shows that its shape is unusual. The sea cuts very deeply into the mainland. Therefore, the water area has many land borders, the water border is only with the Barents Sea. The climate here has a maritime continental characteristic, thanks to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the land ring around it. Experts believe that the local climate is gradually shifting from continental to oceanic. In the area of the White Sea, frosty, harsh and long winters, cool and humid summers. In winter, the water is covered with ice. It becomes buoyant under the influence of currents and wind. A small amount of heat enters the water surface during a short day, most of which is reflected by ice. Stationary ice forms in the bays. The sea becomes free of ice in May.
The bottom has an uneven and difficult topography. The deepest places are the Basin and the Kandalaksha Bay. The northern areas are considered shallow. The salinity of the water is not the same, which is associated with a significant difference in water temperature in the water column and at the surface. Salinity varies by season and region.
Geographic features
People have always inhabited the coastal regions of the Arctic Ocean. In past centuries, Karelian tribes, the ancestors of the Sami and other nationalities lived here. The White Sea was called differently at different times. It was called the Northern, Calm, Salt, Solovetsky, Gandwick, White Bay, etc. At present, the White Sea is wholly owned by the Russian Federation. It is recognized as the coldest sea in the Arctic, as it is located in high latitudes. Moreover, the White Sea is the smallest in our country. Its area is approximately 90 thousand square meters. km. The maximum depth is 350 m, with an average of 67 m. The nature of the sea is defined as rough.
Resource value
The waters and the coast of the White Sea are rich in resources. Therefore, the region plays an important role in the field of economic activity of people. The sea is characterized by a large volume of cargo transportation. The work of sea transport has been established here, the fishery for fish, algae and sea animals is developed. Of the current trends, it is worth noting the development of sea tourism. The diverse flora and fauna of the White Sea has been little studied.
