Geography:
Barrow is located in Alaska, the largest US state. It is the major town on the North Slope, an area above the Arctic Circle. The region around Barrow contains large areas of rolling uplands and coastal plains. Barrow is located sixteen kilometers (ten miles) south of Point Barrow, 544kilometers (340 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, on the coast of the Chukchi Sea (71 18' N, 156 40' W). No roads connect Barrow to other cities or communities. Airplanes are the only year round transportation option.
population/schools:
According to the 2000 US census, Barrow's population is 4,581. Alaska natives make up 64% of the poplation. There are three school serving the area, serving 1,118 students.
Climate:
Barrow has an arctic climate, with temperatures ranging from -48 to 25 dg C (-56 to 78 dg F). It is one of the coldest communities in Alaska, with an average summer maximum temperature of 2.5 dg C (36 dg F). The average winter maximum temperature is -22.5 dg C (-8.5 dg F). Only 12.7 centimeters (five inches) of rain and 50.8 centimeters (20 inches) of snow fall annually in Barrow. It is continually windy, with an average of 19.2 kph (12 mph) winds every day of the year.
Plants:
Several feet beneath the ground's surface is permafrost, frozen soil that never thaws and cannot absorb water. Only the toughest mosses and hardiest grasses and shrubs can survive the harsh climate. In the tundra region of Barrow, sedges, lichens, dwarf birches and willows, blueberries, and low bush cranberries can be found.
Animals:
Barrow and the surrounding area are teeming with wildlife. Bowhead, grey, killer, and beluga whales are plentiful in the ocean every summer. Walruses, seals, sea lions, fish, and sea birds can also be seen near the shore. Polar bears, wolves, and caribou are prevelent land animals near Barrow. The most popular insect is the mosquito.
other:
In Barrow, the sun rises on May 10 and does not set until August 2, eighty-four days later. In winter, the sun sets on November 18, not to rise again until January 24 (fifty-one days).
In June, a traditional Inupiat Eskimo hunting ceremony is held during the Nalukataq Whaling Festival in Barrow. This festival marks the end of the whaling season.
During winter, aurora borealis is a common site in Barrow. Auroras are a result of interactions between the sun and earth. They can assume an endless variety of forms and hues and can be seen most clearly between midnight and 2am.
Additional web resources:
Info and pictures of birds seen in Barrow