Chukchi Sea, Arctic sea region between Russia and Alaska, United States.
The Chukchi Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean lying between the eastern coast of Russia and the northwestern tip of Alaska. It connects southward to the Bering Strait and northward to the open polar basin, with depths rarely exceeding a hundred meters in many areas.
Russian explorers first charted the waters in the 18th century during expeditions along the Siberian coast. International bodies formally adopted the name honoring the local Chukchi people in the 1930s.
The sea takes its name from the Chukchi people, who have lived along its shores for centuries. Visitors to coastal villages today can observe traditional boats and tools used for hunting marine mammals.
The sea remains navigable only during summer months when ice retreats. Visitors planning coastal journeys should aim for the period between July and early October.
The International Date Line runs through the middle of the waters, dividing them into two time zones. Crossing the line means jumping a full day forward or backward.
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