Where is the smallest sea in the world. Calm Serpent Bay. Who lives here

There are more than 80 seas on our planet. These are large bodies of water that are part of the oceans and are isolated by land or towering underwater landforms. The seas differ in size, temperature and composition of the water, depth and other features. Each body of water has its own characteristics that make it unique.

There are seas that have the greatest depth, the highest concentration of salt and other substances in the water or largest area. They are also distinguished by the inhabitants who inhabit their waters. Readers will be interested to know which sea is the smallest in the world and where it is located.

The Sea of ​​Marmara is the smallest on the planet

The Sea of ​​Marmara is located in Eurasia and is the territory of Turkey. Its area is only 11,472 km 2, so it is considered the smallest sea on the planet. A reservoir was formed as a result of a break in the earth's crust, which separated the continents of Africa and Eurasia. The sea is 20 km long and 80 km wide. It refers to the Atlantic Ocean. The reservoir is connected with the Aegean and Black Seas by straits through which water exchange occurs.

Its banks are connected by three bridges:

• Çanakkale bridge 1915;
• the Osman Gazi bridge;
• Sultan Suleiman Bridge.

The Sea of ​​Marmara got its name from the island of Marmara located in it, rich in white marble. It is surrounded predominantly by mountainous shores. The areas around the sea have been densely populated since ancient times. the biggest locality located on its banks is the city of Istanbul. The Sea of ​​Marmara is important tourist attraction. Fishing is well developed on it.

The second place in the list goes to the Ligurian Sea, whose area is 15 thousand km 2. It is located on the territory where the borders of Italy, France and Monaco pass. The reservoir is located in the western part of the basin mediterranean sea. It is surrounded by mostly rocky steep banks. Found near the water surface and sandy beaches which are heavily used in the tourism industry. The water in the Ligurian Sea is quite cold: in the hottest months it reaches 23.5 o C. Despite its small size, the reservoir is very deep, maximum value which is 2 546 m.

This reservoir got the third place in the list of the smallest seas in the world. Its area is 18 km 2. As the name implies, the sea is located on the territory of the Country rising sun. Scientists have found that it was formed as a result of a rise in the level of the world's oceans about 12 thousand years ago, which was caused by the melting of the glacier.

The shores of the sea are heavily indented by bays. There are many islands in the reservoir, the number of which reaches 1,000. The Inland Sea of ​​Japan is an important transport artery of the country. The main industrial enterprises of Japan are located on its coasts. Tourism is well developed in this region.

The fourth position in the list goes to the Davis Sea, whose area is 21 km2. It is part of indian ocean. The Davis Sea washes the shores of Antarctica. The reservoir was named after the captain of the ship "Aurora" John King Davis. On this ship in 1912, an expedition arrived in this region, discovering a reservoir.

Davis Sea most year covered with ice. Only in the summer period, expanses of water appear on it, on which icebergs and drifting ice meet. The greatest depth of the reservoir is 1369 m.

The list of the smallest on the planet also includes the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, which belongs to the Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of ​​39 thousand km 2. The Sea of ​​Azov is located in the eastern part of Europe. The length of the reservoir is 380 km, and the width is 200 km. Oil is being produced in the Sea of ​​Azov. On the banks of the reservoir belonging to Russia and Ukraine, there are many resort areas. The water in it has a high level of pollution. To the Sea of ​​Azov long time waste from industrial enterprises located in large settlements was dumped.

The Bali Sea has an area of ​​​​40 thousand km 2. It ranks sixth in the list of the smallest seas on the planet. The reservoir is interisland and belongs to the Pacific Ocean. On the islands located south side the sea is several active volcanoes, therefore, at the bottom of the reservoir contains a lot of volcanic sediments. The sea of ​​Bali is one of the most popular tourist sites. This is due to the excellent climatic conditions and the beautiful nature that you can admire on the territory of the islands.

Is not different large sizes and the Irish Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The reservoir is located between Ireland and Great Britain. Its area is 46 thousand km 2. The Irish Sea has a shallow depth, the maximum figure of which is 175 meters. It has a well-developed shipping and fishing industry. Throughout almost the entire year, westerly winds blow over the sea, which in winter time cause severe storms. Several wind farms have been built on the coasts of the sea.

The Alboran Sea also has a small area. It is only 53 km 2. The reservoir is located in the northern part of the African continent and is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The border separating Africa and Eurasia passes through the territory of the Alboran Sea. The reservoir is located in the subtropical zone and is surrounded by areas with beautiful nature.

As a result, it is an important tourist attraction. Warm dry weather prevails here in summer, while the winter months are quite cool and rainfall is frequent. Shipping is well developed on the Albaron Sea. On its shores there are many large ports.

The ten smallest seas on the planet include another body of water located in Indonesia - the Halmahera Sea. It is part of the Atlantic Ocean. The area of ​​the reservoir is 75 km2. The Halmahera Sea is located in the equatorial zone. It has a warm, humid climate, typical of this area. The Halmahera Sea is an important tourist attraction. Its clear waters and abundance marine life attract divers from all over the world.

This body of water occupies last place in the list. Its area is 86 thousand km 2. The sea washes southern part Europe and eastern part Iberian Peninsula. It refers to the Atlantic Ocean. On the shores of the sea and on the islands located in it, many world famous resorts. The water temperature here in summer reaches 25 o C, and in winter it does not exceed 13 o C. Navigation is well developed on the Balearic Sea.

Video

Territory Russian Federation vast, its lands washed by the waters of thirteen seas, five of which deserve special attention due to their unimpressive size. The subject of the description is the smallest sea with a water area of ​​less than 500 sq. km. So, the five smallest salty reservoirs in descending order of their size.

The depths of the Black Sea waters

The area of ​​the Black Sea waters is 422 thousand square meters. km, while Russia adjoins 400 km coastline. It was recognized as moderately polluted due to numerous effluents from industrial enterprises, but even this does not diminish its importance, both for transport and for resort purposes.

It is not only a small sea of ​​Russia, but also unique in its essence. The top layer of water is rich in oxygen, and the bottom is completely uninhabited due to the release of hydrogen sulfide. Under the water column below 200 meters, the habitat of animals becomes impossible. This is also due to the low salinity of the water.

A Varangian breeze hovers over St. Petersburg

The Baltic Sea was previously called the Varangian Sea, its water area is 415 thousand square meters. km. Its waters wash the shores of Kaliningrad, as well as the territory in the district of St. Petersburg. It is cold and inhospitable, but rich in fish. Every year a good catch of perch, sprat and cod is produced and sold from the Baltic waters.

There is very little salt in the Baltic Sea. This is due to the fact that the abundant flow river water enters the reservoir. Scholars tend to call it fresh sea. For this reason, the Baltic is covered with ice in winter.

The Caspian Sea is not really a sea, but drainless lake. And, despite the fact that the Caspian is considered largest lake in the world, in Russia it is only in third place among the shallow seas, its water surface area is 371 thousand square meters. km. The status of the sea behind it was retained only because of the oceanic nature of the bottom.

The Caspian Sea has more than seventy names. The reason for this was the many peoples who lived in different times on its banks. An amazing feature of an endorheic reservoir is that its level either drops or rises. In the period from 1929 to 1977, the water level was constantly decreasing, at present the average mark is increasing every year, and according to scientists' forecasts, this trend will continue for several more years.

Tranquil Bay of Serpents

The White Sea was nicknamed the Bay of Serpents due to its excessively winding coastline. And even though it is the smallest oceanic sea in the world, in our country the largest reservoir occupies only the second place. It is small in area, only 90 thousand square meters. km, but very relief. It is entirely an inland part of the country, so all crafts are aimed at developing the economy.

Variety of fish living and wintering in the waters White Sea, make a pond popular place for fishermen. Shellfish and mussels are also often caught in the catch. A noble fish of the salmon family spawns in all flowing rivers. Partly because of the rich flora and fauna, it is attributed to the source pure water.

The Sea of ​​Azov not only leads in the ranking of the country's small seas, but according to world estimates, it is in fifth place with a water area of ​​37 thousand square meters. km. In terms of depth, this is the shallowest sea in the world with an average of 14 meters. Due to this, the waters quickly warm up, from which it is rich in inhabitants. It is here that a very impressive biomass per square meter has been recorded.

Due to the abundance of useful minerals, its hue seems greenish. This is the only body of water that looks green from space. Due to the rich composition, there are many agricultural lands near the sea; in summer, the shores are clogged with tourists who are in a hurry to improve their health.

There are many water bodies in Russia, both inland and washing the coast, but only a few are small in size. But even a small area does not allow them to get lost among other water bodies, since each sea is interesting for its features, they are unique and valuable for the country.

A sea is a part of the World Ocean, separated from it by land, islands or underwater relief. There are about 90 seas on Earth. All of them are unlike each other. The differences are in the composition and temperature of the water, depth, bottom topography, flora and fauna, the presence of islands and archipelagos. The key parameter by which these reservoirs are compared is size.

Top 10 smallest seas in the world

1. Marble.
2. Ligurian.
3. Japanese.
4. Davis.
5. Azov.
6. Bali.
7. Irish.
8. Alboran.
9. Halmahera.
10. Balearic.

Officially the smallest sea on Earth recognized Marble. It is considered internal, as it is sandwiched between Europe and Asia and is connected to Atlantic Ocean the Dardanelles (southwest). It communicates with the Black Pond by the Bosporus Strait (in the northeast). Thanks to this strait, the Black and Sea of ​​Azov have access to the oceans.

In administrative-territorial terms, it is completely located on the territory of Turkey. Sea of ​​Marmara It has tectonic origin - it was formed at the fault between the continents of Africa and Eurasia. The water area of ​​the reservoir has a shape elongated in the latitudinal direction.

Interesting to know: How many exist on Earth?

Figures and facts about the smallest sea on the planet

• Area - 11,472 km 2
• Length - 20 km.
• Width - 80 km.
• Volume - 4,000 km 3
• Maximum depth - 1,355 m
• Salinity - 38 ‰ at the bottom, 26 ‰ at the surface. According to this indicator, it is similar to the Mediterranean. Salinity is much higher than in the Black Sea and lower than in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Water temperature - 29°С (summer), 9°С (winter)

Terrain and climate

The shores of the reservoir are rocky, several mountain ranges stretch along them. Since it is located in a seismically active zone, here earthquakes often occur. The bottom has three deep basins, more than half of the bottom area is occupied by the coastal shelf with depths up to 100 m. The largest bays are Izmitsky and Gemliksky. The largest in the water area are the Princes' Islands, the island of Marmara. north coast dotted underwater reefs. From the Asian side, small rivers Granik and Susurluk flow here.

The smallest sea by area is located in subtropical climate zone . In the warm season, hot air prevails here, which comes from the continent. Peak summer temperatures occur in July and August. average temperature air above the water surface is 25-28 ° C, it rarely drops below 12 ° C, which is very uncharacteristic for the same latitudes of the Atlantic Ocean.

Summer in the waters shallow sea sultry weather reigns with slight winds and a predominance of a clear sky. In autumn, the winds become more frequent, the humidity of the air rises significantly, but compared to the ocean, the weather here is much milder.

Animal and plant world

The fauna of the smallest sea is similar to the Mediterranean. Fishing is developed here, due to the fact that 500 species of fish live in the waters. Among them are many commercial ones:

1. Mackerel.
2. Anchovy.
3. Horse mackerel.
4. Mullet.
5. Tuna.

It is not so often possible to meet representatives of the animal world of the ocean here, however, there are sea ​​turtles, seals, oysters, octopuses and squids, crabs, spiny lobsters, red corals and sponges. In 1999, the Russian tanker Volgoneft-248 sank in the Sea of ​​Marmara near Istanbul, causing spilled a significant amount of oil. This caused significant damage to the animal and flora region.

Water level

Since the smallest sea in the world is far from the ocean, there are practically no ebbs and flows in it - the fluctuation of the water level is calculated by several centimeters. Also, atmospheric processes practically do not affect the water level. Annual fluctuations are imperceptible as in coastal areas, as well as at depth.

Since the surface of the water is dominated by light winds, unlike the ocean, storms are rare here. The waves here are also not as big as in the larger seas of the planet. The largest waves reach a height of 1.5 meters. Most often they are found in the southwestern part during the cold season. In summer, the surface of the water is completely calm.

Story

Since pre-antique times, the banks of the reservoir have been densely populated. Name geographical feature originated from the island of Marmara, which is rich in white marble. The area is also well lit. in ancient Greek literature. So, the famous Argonauts plowed these waters, and there were also fighting during the Scythian war.

First scientific description the reservoir was made by the Russian captain-lieutenant M.P. Manganari. A great contribution to the study was made by representatives of the Russian Geographical Society, including S.O. Makarov and I.B. Spindler. Of the entire World Ocean, the Marmara Sea is one of the most well-studied.

The shores of the small sea are the most densely populated in Turkey. The largest port in the water area is Istanbul. Thanks to the surface of the water does not freeze in winter, industry, trade and tourism are well developed here. Travelers from all over the world are attracted by numerous historical sights. Since large highways, it is very polluted.

Three bridges have been thrown across the straits that connect Europe and Asia - Osman Gazi, Canakkale, Sultan Suleiman.

So, the smallest sea in the world is the Sea of ​​Marmara. It is far from the ocean, which determined the peculiarities of its hydrology. For example, unlike the ocean, there are no strong storms, fluctuations in water levels and waves. This unique place perfect for recreation and tourism, as you can see for yourself!

Sea of ​​Marmara

The smallest sea in the world is located in Turkey. Its area is only ten thousand nine hundred square kilometers. This is the Sea of ​​Marmara, it is considered the most dangerous despite its small size.

The Sea of ​​Marmara connects the Black and Aegean with the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. The most important shipping routes pass through it. Despite the fact that the sea is in a zone of increased activity, its shores are densely populated. It got its name due to the extraction of valuable white marble on the island of Marmara. It is believed that the smallest sea in the world appeared during an earthquake as a result of a deep split in the earth's crust.

Sea Depth

The depth of the sea reaches one thousand three hundred and fifty-five meters. Its rocky shores are surrounded by numerous picturesque bays and estuaries. Nearby there is a popular resort area. Water in summer time warms up to twenty-nine degrees Celsius, and in winter does not fall below nine degrees Celsius. Therefore, the sea never freezes and shipping lanes are always open.

All kinds of underwater plants grow in abundance in the Sea of ​​Marmara. As well as diatom algae, some varieties of which can be seen in modern aquariums. The sea abounds with pyraphites, botanists refer them to flora, and zoologists to fauna. Delicious shellfish live here: oysters, sea dates, mussels. There are octopuses, crabs, lobsters, squids, anchovies, herring, mackerel and mullet are loved by everyone, as well as dietary fleshy horse mackerel. Sushi lovers will be delighted with a dish made from freshly caught tuna.

Most big Island Sea of ​​Marmara, Marmara is located in its western part. This favorite place for lovers a relaxing holiday, picturesque hills and mountains, steep banks create an atmosphere of peace. Marble has been mined on the island since antiquity to the present day, and it will be interesting for tourists to see how it is done.

Museum, groves

Interesting to visit the museum open sky where works of art are exhibited ancient rome and Byzantium. On the island of Turkeli are located luxurious beaches with crystal clean water, vineyards and many wine cellars. Here is the ancient Byzantine monastery of St. Mary. The island attracts attention with its unusual beauty and many wonderful resorts.

There are many coniferous and olive groves on the coast of the Marmara Sea, so the air there is unusually clean and fragrant. locals are mainly engaged in fishing. These places, since ancient times, are famous for the sources of warm mineral water. In the city of Yalova and on the outskirts of the city of Bursa Chikirge there are resorts on the terminal waters. Most popular resort coast of Balıkesir-Genen is famous for its baths with healing mineral water.

Accidents on the Sea of ​​Marmara

In 1999, a Russian tanker sank during a storm in the Sea of ​​Marmara and oil spilled into environment. The consequences of the disaster were eventually eliminated. Earthquakes and tsunamis happen very often here, scientists have recorded water shaking three hundred times, and tsunamis - more than forty times. Seismologists predict the possibility of a strong earthquake in the Istanbul region in 2030.

The Sea of ​​Marmara is considered the smallest and one of the most dangerous in all the globe, but despite this, numerous tourists tend to its shores in search of new experiences.

The sea is a certain part of the World Ocean, which is separated from the main body of water by means of water relief, island or land area. In total, there are 90 seas on our planet, which differ from each other in many characteristics (bottom topography, depth, temperature and composition of water, undersea world etc.). However, size is the main factor for comparing them. Consider the smallest sea in the world, its features and interesting facts about it.

The smallest reservoirs of this type on the planet include the following:

1. Marble - between Asia Minor and European parts Turkey, area - 11,350 km².
2. Ligurian - part of the Mediterranean Sea, located between the islands of Liguria and Corsica, the area is 15,000 km².
3. Davis - part of the Southern Ocean off the Antarctic coast, area - 21,000 km².
4. Azov is located in the east of Europe, the area is 39,000 km².
5. Balinese is part of Pacific Ocean and is located between several islands, the area is 40,000 km².
6. Irish - part of the Atlantic Ocean between the British and Irish islands, the area is 46,000 km².
7. Alboran is the most western part Mediterranean Sea, its area is 53,000 km².
8. Halmahera is an inter-island body of water the Pacific Ocean basin in Indonesia, its area is 75,000 km².
9. Balearic is located in the south European states at eastern shores Iberian Peninsula, area - 86,000 km².
10. Japanese - on the outskirts of the Pacific Ocean, separated from it Japanese islands, and the area is 978,000 km².

So, which sea is the smallest in the world? Officially, it is considered Marble, which occupies the first place in the list.

Useful video: marble sea

Sea of ​​Marmara

The smallest sea on Earth - Marmara - is located at the turn of Asia and Europe and is inland. The southwestern Dardanelles connects this body of water with the Atlantic Ocean, and the northeastern Bosporus with the Black Sea. Through this strait, the Azov and Black Sea connected to the oceans.

As for territorial and administrative issues, this body of water is located on the territory of Turkey. The origin is tectonic: it appeared in the fault area between Eurasia and Africa. The pond has an elongated shape.

There are a few interesting facts, which distinguishes the smallest sea on the planet:

• the area of ​​the reservoir is 11,350 km²;
• length - 20 km, width - 80 km;
• sea ​​volume - 4 thousand km3;
• the greatest depth - 1355 m;
• the percentage of salinity at the top - 26%, at the bottom - 38%;
• winter water temperature is 9 degrees, summer - 29 degrees;
• the bottom topography is similar to that recorded in Cherny.

Historical information

Of the entire World Ocean, the Marmara Sea is the most studied and explored. For the first time, its scientific description was compiled by M.P. Manganari. A significant contribution to the study of the reservoir was made by Russian geographical society, including I.B. Spindler and S.O. Makarov.

Since ancient times, the shores of the reservoir have been actively developed by people, and today they are the most populated in Turkey. Most major port water areas - Istanbul. Such sectors of the economy as tourism, trade and industry are significantly developed, largely due to the fact that during the winter months of the year the surface of the water does not freeze.

Historical sites located in the area, as well as natural beauty the reservoir itself attracts many tourists from different corners planets.

Important! Unfortunately, on this moment this body of water is heavily polluted, since the largest transport routes pass through it.

Climatic and relief features

Behind the rocky shores stretched high mountain ranges. The reservoir is located in a seismically active zone, so earthquakes in this area are observed on a regular basis. The bottom has three basins, a significant part of it is allocated for the coastal shelf, maximum depth which is 100 m.

Most large bays- Gemliksky and Izmitsky. Most major islands in this water area - Marmara and Princes. Northern part coast contains many underwater reefs. From Asia, the Susurluk and Granik rivers flow into the sea.

Sea of ​​Marmara - Antalya

The smallest sea in the world is located in the subtropical climate zone. From the continent during the hot months of the year (they include August and July), hot air comes to these territories. On average, the air temperature above the surface of the reservoir reaches 28 degrees (the minimum value is 12 degrees).

In the summer period of the year in the water area of ​​the reservoir there is hot weather with clear skies and gentle winds. When autumn comes, the winds increase, the humidity of the air becomes higher. But still, in these areas, the weather is much milder when compared with

Representatives of flora and fauna

The fauna is similar to that inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. In these parts, fishing is significantly developed, since several hundred species of fish live here, among which there are many commercial ones (tuna, anchovy, mullet, mackerel and others).

As for the animal world, crabs, octopuses, squids, seals, sea turtles, sponges live in the reservoir.

Important! In 1999, a serious accident occurred in the marine area, which caused major damage to nature. In the vicinity of Istanbul, the Russian tanker Volgoneft-248 sank, as a result of which a large amount of oil fell into the water.

Sea of ​​Marmara at dusk

Water level

There are no noticeable ebbs and flows. The water level fluctuates by only a few centimeters. Atmospheric processes do not have any effect on it. Neither at depth, nor on the surface near the shores, annual fluctuations are imperceptible.

The same applies to storms - they practically do not occur here, since subtle winds mainly prevail over the surface. The waves in the reservoir are small (their maximum height is one and a half meters). They usually form during the cool months of the year in the southwest. In summer, the surface is practically motionless.

Useful video: a trip around the Sea of ​​​​Marmara

Conclusion

The smallest maritime area in the world is Marmara. It never freezes and is almost always calm. However, the developed industry, transport routes and the accident in 1999 led to severe pollution of this reservoir.