The Sea of Marmara is located between Asia and Europe. The Bosphorus strait connects it with the Black Sea, and the Dardanelles with the Aegean. The shape of this sea is elongated. Its length is 280 km, and its width is no more than 80 km. The total area of the reservoir is 11.4 thousand square meters. km. Therefore, the Sea of Marmara is the smallest sea on the planet. It is spread over Turkish territory and is included in the Mediterranean basin. The Turkish Inland Sea is home to many popular resorts.
The sea got its name from the island of Marmara, where large-scale work was carried out to extract white marble. The ancient Greeks designated the Sea of Marmara as Propontid. Even before our era, there were cataclysms in this area. From 1300 BC NS. 300 powerful earthquakes occurred in the Sea of Marmara, which generated more than 40 tsunami waves.
Geographic details
A map of the Sea of Marmara makes it possible to see the shape of its shores. They are heavily indented in the south and east. The banks of the reservoir are mountainous. The largest islands are Princesovy and Marmara. There are many underwater reefs on the northern edge of the sea. The small rivers Susurluk and Granikus flow into the sea. The Marmara and Black Seas interact like communicating vessels. The Black Sea has a higher water level, which overflows into the Sea of Marmara through the Bosphorus.
Climatic conditions
The coast of the Sea of Marmara is influenced by the mild Mediterranean climate. The average water temperature is +26 degrees. In summer, it warms up even more. In winter, the water cools down to 9 degrees. At a depth of more than 200 m, the water temperature does not drop below + 14 degrees.
Sea water has a high degree of salinity. On the surface, salinity is not as pronounced as in depth. The flora and fauna of the Sea of Marmara is completely similar to the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea.
Significance of the Sea of Marmara
This sea connects the Black and Aegean Seas. The most important trade sea routes go between the Dardanelle and Bosphorus straits. Therefore, the condition of the water in some places of the water differs from ideal. Many ships pass through the small reservoir every year, which affects the quality of sea water.
But in resort areas, away from ports, the ecology meets international standards. The coast of the Sea of Marmara is covered with hills, but there are no large mountains here. The sea shores are rocky and steep. Coral reefs are located off the northern shores. The coastal area of the Sea of Marmara is famous for its curative mud and thermal springs.
