Frozen Strait facts for kids

Frozen Strait is a narrow sea passage in Nunavut, a large territory in northern Canada. It's located just north of Hudson Bay. This strait lies between the Melville Peninsula to the north and Southampton Island to the south.

Frozen Strait connects Repulse Bay in the west with Foxe Basin in the east. It is about 80 km (50 mi) long. The width of the strait varies from 19 to 32 km (12 to 20 miles).

Exploring Frozen Strait

Many explorers tried to find a way through the Arctic waters. They hoped to discover a shortcut from Europe to Asia. This shortcut was called the Northwest Passage.

Early Attempts

In 1615, an explorer named Robert Bylot tried to sail through the eastern part of Frozen Strait. However, he found his path blocked by thick ice. He could not pass through.

Later, in 1742, Christopher Middleton reached the western end of the strait. He sailed north into Roes Welcome Sound and then to Repulse Bay. Even in August, Middleton saw that the strait was full of ice. Because of this, he believed there was no way to sail through. He then gave the names "Frozen Strait" and "Repulse Bay" to these places.

A Clear Passage

Years later, in 1821, William Edward Parry sailed through Frozen Strait. He did so without any problems. This showed that the strait was not always blocked by ice.

Wildlife and Migration

Some scientists believe that bowhead whales travel through Roes Welcome Sound. They migrate there in the spring and fall. However, it's also possible that these large whales use Frozen Strait for their journeys. More studies are needed to confirm their exact migration routes.

Location and Geography

Frozen Strait is an important part of the Arctic landscape. It helps connect different bodies of water in the region. Its location between two large landmasses shapes the local environment. The strait's icy conditions can change with the seasons. This affects both navigation and wildlife.

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