Nares Strait facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nares Strait |
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Nares Strait (boxed) is between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
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 Nares Strait
Location in Greenland
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| Location | Between Ellesmere Island (Canada) and Greenland |
| Coordinates | 80°N 070°W / 80°N 70°W |
| Type | Strait |
| Native name | |
| Etymology | George Nares |
| Ocean/sea sources | |
| Basin countries | Canada, Greenland |
| Max. length | 530 km (330 mi) |
| Min. width | 35 km (22 mi) |
| Max. depth | 600 metres (2,000 ft) |
The Nares Strait is a narrow waterway located between Ellesmere Island in Canada and Greenland. It acts like a watery highway, connecting the northern part of Baffin Bay (which is part of the Atlantic Ocean) to the Lincoln Sea (which is part of the Arctic Ocean).
This strait is made up of several smaller sections. From south to north, these parts include Smith Sound, Kane Basin, Kennedy Channel, Hall Basin, and Robeson Channel. The Nares Strait usually has a strong current flowing from the north. This current is powered by something called the Beaufort Gyre, which is a large ocean current system. This strong current makes it quite difficult for ships to travel through the strait when they are coming from the south.
Contents
Naming the Strait
The Nares Strait got its name in 1964. Both the Danish and Canadian governments agreed on the name. It was named after a British naval officer named George Strong Nares. He was an explorer who worked in the Arctic.
The waters of the Nares Strait and the areas around it are generally very dangerous for ships. This is because of the ice and strong currents. However, during the month of August, the strait usually becomes easier to navigate. At this time, special ships called icebreakers can often get through.
Before 1948, only five ships were ever recorded as successfully traveling north of the Kane Basin section of the strait. In 2009, a ship called the Arctic Sunrise made history. It was the first known ship to travel into the Arctic Ocean through the Nares Strait as early as June.
Islands in the Strait
There are several islands located within the Nares Strait. One small island, called Hans Island, is quite famous because both Denmark (on behalf of Greenland) and Canada claim it as their own. Other islands you can find in the strait include Joe Island, Crozier Island, and the much larger Franklin Island.
Early Inhabitants
Around the early 13th century, a group of people known as the Thule people arrived in the Nares Strait area. They were skilled hunters and traders. Evidence shows that they hunted and traded with Vikings who were also in the region. Archeologists have found remains of both Thule Culture and Viking presence on Ruin Island, which is located in the strait.
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