Atigun River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Atigun River |
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Atigun River flowing towards the mouth of Atigun Gorge (Dennis Cowals, 1973)
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 Location in Alaska
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 68°07′19″N 149°27′33″W / 68.1219444°N 149.4591667°W |
| River mouth | 621 meters 68°31′31″N 149°00′12″W / 68.5252778°N 149.0033333°W |
| Length | 45 miles |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Sagavanirktok River |
The Atigun River is a river located in the northern part of Alaska. It flows through the beautiful Endicott Mountains. This river is about 45 miles (72 kilometers) long.
Contents
Where the Atigun River Flows
The Atigun River starts from a glacier. A glacier is a huge, slow-moving river of ice. As the glacier melts, it feeds water into the Atigun River.
River's Journey
From its icy source, the river flows towards the northeast. It eventually joins a larger river called the Sagavanirktok River. This meeting point is about 20 miles south of where the Sagavanirktok River meets another river, the Ribdon River.
Atigun Gorge
The Atigun River also flows through a famous place called the Atigun Gorge. A gorge is a narrow valley with steep, rocky walls. It's often carved out by a river over a very long time. The Atigun Gorge is a notable feature in the landscape of northern Alaska.
Location in Alaska
The Atigun River is found in a very remote and wild part of Alaska. This area is known for its vast wilderness and cold climate. It is part of the North Slope Borough, which is a large region in northern Alaska.
Natural Environment
The land around the Atigun River is mostly tundra. Tundra is a type of biome where the growth of trees is stopped by low temperatures and short growing seasons. The ground often has permafrost, which is soil that stays frozen all year round.
Wildlife in the Area
Even though it's a cold place, many animals live near the Atigun River. You might find animals like caribou, grizzly bears, and various types of birds. The river itself is important for fish and other aquatic life.
