Nanook River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nanook River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Hadley Bay, Viscount Melville Sound Sea level 71°36′00″N 107°46′59″W / 71.600°N 107.783°W |
The Nanook River is a special river located on Victoria Island in Northern Canada. Its name, "Nanook," means "polar bear," which is a fitting name since polar bears are often seen near its mouth. This river starts in the Northwest Territories and flows all the way to Nunavut.
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Where the River Begins
The Nanook River starts in the middle of Victoria Island. It begins in a flat area, south of the Shaler Mountains. To get to its starting point, you would fly about two hours north from Cambridge Bay in a small plane called a Twin Otter.
The River's Journey
From its source, the Nanook River flows towards the east. Along its path, it passes through a fast-moving section called a rapid. After this, the river enters a lake known as Namaycush Lake.
The journey continues north through several more lakes. The last and largest of these lakes is about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) wide. The final 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the river's path include more rapids that haven't been fully mapped. Finally, the Nanook River reaches Hadley Bay and empties into Viscount Melville Sound.
Plants and Animals of the Nanook River
The Nanook River is not fed by glaciers, which are large masses of ice. Even so, many interesting plants and animals live along its banks and in the surrounding areas.
River Plants
You can find several types of plants growing along the river. These include lousewort, a plant with colorful flowers, and Arctic poppy, known for its bright yellow blooms. Other plants like aven, different types of sedge grasses, and willow thickets also thrive here.
River Animals
The Nanook River is home to many amazing Arctic animals. You might spot Arctic foxes, which are known for their thick white fur in winter. Small rodents called lemmings also live here, providing food for other animals. Large, shaggy muskoxen can be seen grazing near the river.
Bird watchers might spot snowy owls, with their striking white feathers. Peary caribou, a smaller type of caribou, also visit the river. And, as the river's name suggests, polar bears are commonly found near where the Nanook River meets the sea.
