Beaufort Sea

2 6.5

A part of the Arctic Ocean northeast of Alaska and northwest Canada

proper noun
/ˈboʊfərt siː/

: mar de Beaufort

The Beaufort Sea forms part of the northern boundary of Alaska and Canada.

Examples

Researchers traveled to the Beaufort Sea to study the effects of climate change on polar ice.
Oil exploration in the Beaufort Sea has raised environmental concerns in recent years.
The Beaufort Sea is known for its icy waters.
Many species thrive in the Beaufort Sea ecosystem.
The Beaufort Sea is known for its harsh weather conditions and rich marine life.
Scientists are studying the effects of climate change on the ice cover of the Beaufort Sea.
Many migratory birds visit the Beaufort Sea during the summer months for nesting.

Surface Forms

Beaufort Sea main

Morphology

Beaufort + sea

This is a place name formed from a proper name + the noun 'sea', so a B1 learner who knows 'sea' and recognises that 'Beaufort' is a name will understand it denotes a particular sea. They may not know its precise Arctic location without prior exposure, but the basic meaning 'a sea called Beaufort' is directly derivable and follows common cross-linguistic naming patterns.

Etymology

Beaufort Sea is named after Sir Francis Beaufort, a British sailor and map maker who created the Beaufort wind scale. Because mapmakers used his name, the 'sea north of Alaska and Canada' is still called the Beaufort Sea today.