Kongakut River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kongakut River |
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Kongakut River in summer
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 Location of the mouth of the Kongakut River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | North Slope |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Davidson Mountains 5,521 ft (1,683 m) 68°48′47″N 143°22′47″W / 68.81306°N 143.37972°W |
| River mouth | Siku Lagoon Beaufort Sea 0 ft (0 m) 69°46′35″N 141°42′16″W / 69.77639°N 141.70444°W |
The Kongakut River is a river located in Alaska, a large state in the United States. It flows through a special area called the North Slope Borough. This river starts high up in the mountains and travels north until it reaches the big Beaufort Sea.
Exploring the Kongakut River
The Kongakut River is an important waterway in the wild and beautiful landscape of Alaska. It's known for its remote location and the amazing nature surrounding it.
Where the Kongakut River Flows
The Kongakut River begins its journey in the Davidson Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Brooks Range in the northeastern part of Alaska. This area is very close to the border with Yukon Territory in Canada. From its mountain source, the river generally flows towards the northeast and then north.
The river makes its way through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This is a huge protected area known for its amazing wildlife. Finally, the Kongakut River empties into the Beaufort Sea. This sea is part of the Arctic Ocean. The river's mouth is located northwest of a place called Demarcation Point.
What's in a Name?
The name "Kongakut" comes from the Inupiaq language. The Inupiaq people are native to this region of Alaska. The name roughly means "deer pond." This suggests that deer, like caribou, might have gathered near parts of the river.
The Kongakut River was sometimes called the Turner River in the past. However, there was some confusion about which river was which. So, the name "Turner River" is now used for a smaller stream nearby. This helps everyone know which river is which!
