Silver Bay (Alaska) facts for kids
Silver Bay is a deep, narrow inlet of the sea, also known as a fjord. It is located in Alaska, a state in the United States. You can find it southeast of a city called Sitka. This bay cuts into Baranof Island. In the Tlingit language, Silver Bay is called Gaǥeit'.
The name "Silver Bay" comes from a Russian name, "Bukhta Serebryanikova." This name was first written down in 1852 by Captain Mikhail Tebenkov of the Imperial Russian Navy. Later, the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey translated it into English.
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Why Silver Bay Is Important
Silver Bay is located at the eastern end of the Eastern Channel. It is a very important place for the city of Sitka.
A Hub for Industry
Today, Silver Bay is the planned location for a new deep-water dock. This dock will be part of the Sawmill Cove Industrial Park in Sitka. A deep-water dock allows very large ships to come close to shore. This is great for trade and moving goods.
Access to Fish Hatcheries
The bay also provides access to the Medvejie Fish Hatchery. A fish hatchery is a place where young fish are raised. They are then released into rivers or the ocean to help increase fish populations.
Past Mining Activities
In the early 1900s, Silver Bay was important for mining. It provided a way to reach several mining areas nearby.
The Geology of Silver Bay
Silver Bay is a natural feature shaped by the Earth's movements.
Water Sources
Many lakes and rivers flow into Silver Bay. These include:
- Medvejie Lake
- Blue Lake
- Salmon Lake
- The Vodopad River, which flows through Green Lake
- Camp Lake
Following a Fault Line
The bay itself follows a fault system. A fault is a crack in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved. This fault system stretches from Salisbury Sound, goes through Olga and Neva straits, and even crosses over Mt. Verstovia.
