Norton Sound facts for kids
Norton Sound is a large inlet of the Bering Sea located on the western coast of Alaska, a U.S. state. It lies just south of the Seward Peninsula. This body of water is about 240 kilometers (150 miles) long and 200 kilometers (125 miles) wide. The huge Yukon River delta forms part of its southern shore. Water from the Yukon River flows into the sound, affecting its environment. Norton Sound is usually free of ice from June to October each year.
Discovering Norton Sound
Captain James Cook, a famous explorer, first explored Norton Sound in September 1778. He was the one who gave the inlet its name. He named it after Sir Fletcher Norton. At that time, Sir Fletcher Norton was the Speaker of the British House of Commons. The Speaker is like the main leader or chairperson of the British Parliament's elected members.
Living by Norton Sound
For many hundreds of years, the Norton Sound area has been home to two main groups of Indigenous people: the Yup'ik and the Inupiat. Norton Sound acts as a natural border between these two groups. The Inupiat people traditionally live to the north of the sound, while the Yup'ik people live to the south.
Several towns and villages are located along the shores or near the waterways that flow into Norton Sound. The town of Nome is found along the northern edge of the sound. Other villages include Elim, Golovin, Stebbins, White Mountain, Koyuk, Shaktoolik, St. Michael, and Unalakleet.
The famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race also passes through some of these coastal villages. This exciting race uses dog sleds and runs between Unalakleet and Nome, following parts of the Norton Sound coastline.
A Special Ship
A seaplane tender ship, which is a type of naval vessel that supports seaplanes, was named after this inlet. This ship was called the USS Norton Sound.
See also
In Spanish: Norton Sound para niños
