Size: The Bering Sea covers an area of approximately 2.3 million square kilometers (890,000 square miles), making it larger than many other recognized seas such as the Baltic Sea, Caribbean Sea, or Hudson Bay.
Salinity: The salinity of the Bering Sea varies due to the influx of freshwater from rivers and melting sea ice. However, it generally falls within the typical salinity range of other seas, which is around 30-35 parts per thousand.
Depth: The Bering Sea has a maximum depth of 4,097 meters (13,442 feet) in the Aleutian Basin, making it significantly deeper than many other seas. For example, the North Sea has a maximum depth of only 965 meters (3,166 feet).
Boundaries: The Bering Sea is clearly defined by land masses and geographic features. It is bounded by the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands to the south, the Chukchi Sea and Bering Strait to the north, and the Kamchatka Peninsula to the west.
Tidal Activity: The Bering Sea experiences regular tidal movements, which further reinforce its identity as a sea. Tides are primarily driven by the gravitational influence of the moon and sun.
Marine Life: The Bering Sea is renowned for its abundant and diverse marine life, including various fish species, marine mammals, seabirds, and invertebrates. This rich ecosystem is characteristic of seas, while oceans usually have more diverse ecosystems due to their larger scale.
In summary, the Bering Sea meets the standard criteria for being classified as a sea based on its size, salinity, depth, clearly defined boundaries, tidal activity, and unique marine ecosystem. It is recognized and referred to as the "Bering Sea" on numerous maps, charts, and scientific publications, solidifying its status as a distinct and significant body of water.
