Olenek

Olenek, also transliterated Olenyok or Olenëk, is a river in the northeastern part of Russia, located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). It rises in the Verkhoyansk Range and generally flows north-northwest across Arctic tundra and boreal landscapes to the Laptev Sea, forming part of the Arctic Ocean drainage basin. The river and its basin are among the prominent waterways of northern Yakutia, carrying water through sparsely populated terrain.

Geography and course: The Olenek traverses permafrost-rich terrain, with a mix of braided and meandering sections. Its valley hosts seasonal floodplains that are influenced by snowmelt and ice regimes. The river ultimately reaches the Laptev Sea along the Arctic coast, where it contributes to the Laptev’s coastal hydrology.

Hydrology and climate: The region experiences a harsh subarctic to Arctic climate. The Olenek freezes for much of the year, usually from autumn to late spring, with breakups in late spring or early summer. Peak discharge occurs during the short summer season when snow and ice melt, producing variable flow conditions along the river.

Ecology and human use: The Olenek supports Arctic freshwater ecosystems, with fish such as northern species adapted to cold, low-salinity waters. The surrounding landscape is home to Indigenous peoples, including Yakuts and Evenki, who have traditional livelihoods that historically involve fishing, hunting, and seasonal movement across the river's basin.

See also: Olenyoksky District, Laptev Sea, Arctic drainage basins.