a river in the eastern Karelian ASSR. The Suma is 164 km long and drains an area of 2,020 sq km. Originating in Lake Melozero, it flows through several lakes, the largest of which are Lakes Shunozero, Khizhozero, Pulozero, and Sumozero. The river is dotted with rapids. The Suma empties into Onega Bay of the White Sea. It is fed mainly by snow. The mean flow rate 6 km from the mouth is 19.8 cu m per sec. The river freezes in November or December, and the ice breaks up in late April or in May. Timber is floated on the Suma.