White Sea

White Sea (Russian Bjeloe More), a branch of the Arctic Ocean extending into the province of Archangel in the north of Russia. About 100 miles wide between the Kaninskaia and Kola peninsulas, it narrows to less than 50 farther south, widens again and forms three gulfs, the Kandalak Gulf, that of Archangel, into which the Dwina falls, and that into which the Onega falls. The sea-route hither was discovered by Chancellor in 1553; Archangel (q.v.) is the chief emporium on its shores. It is usually frozen from the beginning of September till the end of May; and even during the other months, when navigation is possible, it is not free from floating ice, and heavy fogs are frequent. The area is about 50,000 sq. m. By canals connected with the Dwina, it has direct water communication with the Dnieper and the Volga, and so with the Black Sea and the Caspian.