The body of water that borders Alaska to the north is the Arctic Ocean.

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's oceans, located to the north of Alaska. It runs along Alaska's northern coastline, including the North Slope, and is important for the region's climate. The cold, icy waters of the Arctic Ocean affect weather patterns and help create sea ice, which is vital for local ecosystems. Additionally, the ocean is significant for climate change research and becomes an important shipping route during the summer when the ice melts.