The continental shelf area is narrow, typically less than 50 km wide, but extends out to 200 km in places. The seafloor is uneven, with shallow banks towards the outer edge of the shelf and deep central basins and troughs up to 400 m deep. Islands, reefs , and shoals are common.
Winds increase productivity by keeping the water column mixed.
The tidal range rarely exceeds 1 m. The region is ice covered for about three months of the year, mostly pack ice . Icebergs are common and are often very close to shore. This is the southernmost extent of Arctic water in the world and many of the species found in the region reflect that Arctic affinity. The Coast Uplift , folding , deposition, glaciation and the subsequent drowning of the coast by changes in sea level have resulted in a highly irregular, rugged and bold coastline dominated by bedrock cliffs up to 300 m in height, rock outcrops, pocket beaches and numerous islands, inlets and bays .