Regional Setting

Abstract

Alaska is a subcontinental and peninsular landmass with an unusually long coastline. This extended shoreline, bordered on the south by an active and young mountainous belt, provides an extensive interplay between the land and adjacent marine environments. The general coastline of Alaska (general coastline is a term to describe the coast; it includes bays, but crosses narrow inlets and river mouths) is 10,685 km (6,640 miles*) long, representing 54% of the total 19,928 km (12,383 miles) general coastline of the United States. The tidal shoreline of Alaska (intersection of high-tide water with the shore) is much longer and is about 76,120 km (47,300 miles) long, representing about 53% of the total 142,637 km (88,633 miles) of the tidal shoreline of the United States.