Nuluk River facts for kids
The Nuluk River (sometimes called Nooluk River) is a river in Alaska, a U.S. state. It flows across the Seward Peninsula, which is a large piece of land that sticks out into the Bering Sea. This river is an important part of the natural landscape in this part of Alaska.
Contents
Where the Nuluk River Starts
The Nuluk River begins high up in the mountains. These mountains are made of a type of rock called limestone, specifically Port Clarence limestone. The river's starting point is about 35 miles south of the Arctic Ocean.
The River's Journey Through a Canyon
For about 15 miles from where it starts, the Nuluk River flows through a deep valley called a canyon. This canyon can be anywhere from 100 to 1,000 feet deep! The canyon was carved out over a very long time by the river, cutting through ancient rocks known as Silurian limestones.
Ancient Fossils and Changing Rocks
Scientists have found fossils near the beginning of the Nuluk River. Fossils are the remains or traces of ancient plants and animals that have turned into rock over millions of years.
As the river flows north, the types of rocks it passes through change. Instead of just limestone, you can also see rocks called mica-schists, which are a type of metamorphic rock. The older Silurian limestones are bent and folded near where they meet these newer rocks.
Coastal Plain and Gravel
Near the coast, the land flattens out into what is called a coastal plain. This plain is covered with gravel that was carried there by the river and ancient glaciers. Along the Nuluk River, this gravelly coastal plain stretches further inland compared to other rivers in the area.
Where the Nuluk River Ends
The Nuluk River eventually flows into the Ikpek Lagoon. This lagoon is a shallow body of water located about 40 miles northeast of a place called Cape Prince of Wales.
