The Beaufort Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean north of Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, named after hydrographer Sir Francis Beaufort. It covers about 476,000 km² and has an average depth of 124 metres.[1]
| Area | 476,000 km² |
|---|---|
| Average depth | 124 m |
| Maximum depth | 4,683 m |
| Named for | Sir Francis Beaufort |
Geography
The sea is bounded on the north by a line from Point Barrow, Alaska, to Lands End on Prince Patrick Island. The shelf is narrow, reaching about 145 km in width near the Mackenzie delta, and the Mackenzie River is the main river entering it. Alaska’s Kongakut River also flows into it.[1]
Ice
The sea is frozen most of the year. A clockwise current, the Beaufort Gyre, has long circulated sea ice for several years, though ice-free area in late summer has grown greatly, with a record retreat in 2012.[1]
Wildlife
The eastern Beaufort beluga population is estimated at about 39,000. Polar bears form two subpopulations of about 980 in the north and about 900 in the south.[1]
FAQs
What is it named for? Sir Francis Beaufort.
How deep is it? 124 m on average, up to 4,683 m.
What big river enters it? The Mackenzie River.
Sources
Key facts
- Max depth 4,683 m
- Beaufort Gyre
- Mackenzie River inflow
Quick checkArea?Show answer
About 476,000 km².
Sources
- Wikipedia. Beaufort Sea. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue