Meade River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meade River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Meade River in Alaska
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| Native name | Kuulugruaq |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | North Slope |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kulugra Ridge National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska 891 ft (272 m) 69°21′42″N 158°42′22″W / 69.36167°N 158.70611°W |
| River mouth | Admiralty Bay Beaufort Sea 0 ft (0 m) 70°54′12″N 155°57′27″W / 70.90333°N 155.95750°W |
The Meade River, known as Kuulugruaq in the Iñupiaq language, is a river located in the very northern part of Alaska, a state in the United States. It flows across a flat, open area called the North Slope. This river is an important part of the unique Arctic environment.
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Discover the Meade River
The Meade River starts its journey near a place called Kulugra Ridge. This ridge is found within the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska. From there, the river generally flows north. It passes by the small community of Atqasuk. Finally, the Meade River reaches its end at Admiralty Bay. This bay is located at the southern end of Dease Inlet, which is part of the large Beaufort Sea. The Beaufort Sea is a section of the Arctic Ocean.
Where Does the River Start and End?
The Meade River begins in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska, which is a huge area set aside for its natural resources. The exact starting point is near Kulugra Ridge. This area is quite high up, about 891 feet (272 meters) above sea level.
The river then travels north across the flat landscape. Its journey ends when it flows into Admiralty Bay. This bay is a part of the Beaufort Sea, which is a very cold sea in the Arctic region. At its mouth, the river is at sea level, meaning it's right at the ocean's edge.
Life Along the River
The area around the Meade River is part of the Arctic tundra. This means it's a very cold place where the ground stays frozen for most of the year. This frozen ground is called permafrost. Even though it's cold, many amazing animals and plants live here.
- Animals: You might see caribou herds migrating across the tundra. Arctic foxes and grizzly bears also live in this region. Birds like snow geese and various types of ducks use the river and its wetlands for nesting and feeding during the warmer months.
- Plants: The plants here are tough! They are mostly low-growing shrubs, mosses, and lichens. They have adapted to the short, cool summers and long, dark winters.
The Land Around the Meade River
The North Slope of Alaska, where the Meade River flows, is a vast and mostly flat plain. It's known for its unique Arctic environment. The landscape is shaped by ice and cold temperatures. In summer, the top layer of the permafrost thaws, creating many small lakes and wetlands. These wet areas are important for wildlife. The National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska is a large federal land area. It was set aside for its oil and gas resources, but it's also a critical habitat for wildlife.
People and the River
The Meade River has been important to the local Iñupiaq people for thousands of years. They have lived in this harsh environment and relied on the land and its resources for survival. The village of Atqasuk is located along the river. For the people of Atqasuk, the river provides a way to travel and access hunting and fishing areas. It's a vital part of their traditional way of life.
