List of fjords of the United States facts for kids

The fjords of the United States are long, narrow inlets of the sea. They are found mostly along the coasts of Alaska and Washington, in areas that were once covered by huge glaciers. These amazing natural features are created when glaciers carve out deep valleys, which then fill with ocean water. Sometimes, a fjord can have two or more deep sections, separated by shallower areas called sills.

Most of the fjords in Washington are connected to Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. In Alaska, you can find fjords in many different places. The Hudson River in New York is special because it's known as the only true fjord on the eastern coast of the United States. You might hear about Somes Sound in Acadia National Park, which is often thought to be a fjord, but it's actually a similar type of inlet called a fjard.

What are Fjords?

Fjords are like giant, watery canyons carved by nature. Imagine a huge river of ice, called a glacier, slowly moving across the land. As it moves, it scrapes away rock and soil, creating a deep, U-shaped valley. When the climate warms up, the glacier melts and the ocean water rushes in to fill that valley. That's how a fjord is formed! They often have very steep sides and can be incredibly deep.

Where to Find US Fjords

The United States has many fjords, especially in its colder, northern regions.

Alaskan Fjords

Alaska is home to many stunning fjords. The state's rugged coastline was heavily shaped by glaciers, leaving behind numerous deep inlets. These fjords are often surrounded by towering mountains and are popular spots for wildlife viewing and boat tours. Some famous Alaskan fjords include College Fjord, Icy Bay, Lynn Canal, Misty Fjords, Nassau Fjord, Russell Fjord, and Tracy Arm. Lynn Canal is especially notable as the deepest fjord in North America, not counting those in Greenland.

Washington State Fjords

In Washington, many fjords are part of the larger Puget Sound and Salish Sea system. Puget Sound itself is considered a complex system of fjords, as it's made up of many valleys that were flooded after glaciers melted. This area is the southernmost group of fjords in North America. A well-known fjord here is Hood Canal.

The Hudson River Fjord

While most US fjords are in the west, the Hudson River in New York is unique. It's recognized as the only true fjord on the eastern coast of the United States. This means that even though it's far from the major glacial regions of the west, its valley was also carved by ancient glaciers before being filled with water.

Images for kids

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  College Fjord in Alaska, showing its unique shape.

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  Hood Canal, a fjord in Washington State.

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  The Hudson River, the only true fjord on the US East Coast.

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  Icy Bay in Alaska, a beautiful glacial inlet.

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  Lynn Canal, one of North America's deepest fjords.

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  Misty Fjords National Monument in Alaska.

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  Sunset over Nassau Fjord in Alaska.

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  Puget Sound, a system of fjords in Washington.

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  Russell Fjord, another stunning Alaskan fjord.

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  Tracy Arm, an Alaskan fjord with a glacier.

See also

• List of fjords in Canada