Utukok River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Utukok River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Utukok River in Alaska
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| Native name | Utuqqaq |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | North Slope |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Kogruk and Tupik creeks De Long Mountains, Brooks Range, National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska 2,075 ft (632 m) 68°33′26″N 161°06′20″W / 68.55722°N 161.10556°W |
| River mouth | Kasegaluk Lagoon, Chukchi Sea, Arctic Ocean 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Icy Cape 0 ft (0 m) 70°02′49″N 162°27′26″W / 70.04694°N 162.45722°W |
| Length | 225 mi (362 km) |
The Utukok River is a long river in Alaska, a state in the United States. It flows for about 225-mile (362 km) (362 kilometers) through the North Slope Borough. This river is a vital home for many animals and birds.
Where is the Utukok River?
The Utukok River is located in the northern part of Alaska. It is in the North Slope Borough, which is a large area in the state. The river's journey takes it through wild and remote lands.
The River's Journey
The Utukok River starts in the De Long Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Brooks Range. The river begins where two smaller streams, Kogruk Creek and Tupik Creek, meet.
From its start, the river flows in different directions. It first goes north, then northeast, and finally northwest. After its long journey, the Utukok River empties into Kasegaluk Lagoon. This lagoon is part of the Chukchi Sea, which is an arm of the Arctic Ocean. The mouth of the river is about 20 miles (32 km) (32 kilometers) southwest of a place called Icy Cape.
Home for Wildlife
The Utukok River and the lands around it are very important for animals. It is a special breeding ground for Arctic Caribou. These caribou are a type of reindeer that live in cold northern regions.
Many different kinds of birds also use the river area. They come here to nest and raise their young. The river provides water, food, and safe places for these animals to thrive.
What's in a Name?
The name Utukok comes from the Iñupiaq word Utuqqaq. In the Inuit language, Utuqqaq means "old" or "ancient." This name was also used for Icy Cape, a nearby landmark.
In the 1800s, people sometimes spelled the river's name differently. You might see it written as "Utukak" or "Ootokok" in old records.
