Bering Strait

geography · oceans · arctic

Two oceans meet. The Bering Strait connects the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic Ocean, making it one of the world's most important waterways where two massive bodies of water come together.

Separates two countries. Russia and the United States are separated by the Bering Strait, with Russia's Chukchi Peninsula on one side and Alaska's Seward Peninsula on the other side.

Near the Arctic Circle. The strait sits just south of the Arctic Circle at about 65 degrees north latitude, putting it in one of the coldest parts of the world.

Named after an explorer. The Bering Strait was named after Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer who worked for Russia and explored this icy region centuries ago.

Frozen and remote. The waters here are so cold that ice forms thick layers in winter, making the strait one of the harshest and most isolated places on Earth.