Where is the Mediterranean Sea? Map of the Mediterranean seas: islands, countries, seas, water. Mediterranean Sea: geographical map in Russian, map of currents, resorts Mediterranean Sea borders of states
MEDITERRANEAN SEA, one of the largest seas in size. The adjective “Mediterranean” is widely used to describe peoples, countries, climates, vegetation; For many, the concept of “Mediterranean” is associated with a particular way of life or with an entire period in human history.
The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also closely connected Southern Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia. The length of this sea from west to east is approx. 3700 km, and from north to south (at its widest point) - approx. 1600 km. On the northern coast are Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. A number of Asian countries – Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel – reach the sea from the east. Finally, on the southern coast are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. The area of the Mediterranean Sea is 2.5 million square meters. km, and since it is connected with other bodies of water only by narrow straits, it can be considered an inland sea. In the west, through the Strait of Gibraltar, which is 14 km wide and up to 400 m deep, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait, narrowing in places to 1.3 km, connects it with the Sea of Marmara and, through the Bosporus Strait, with the Black Sea. In the southeast, an artificial structure - the Suez Canal - connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. These three narrow water passages have always been very important for trade, navigation and strategic purposes. At various times they were controlled - or sought to be controlled - by the British, French, Turks and Russians. The Romans of the Roman Empire called the Mediterranean Sea mare nostrum ("our sea")
The coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is highly indented, and numerous protrusions of land divide it into many semi-isolated water areas that have their own names. These seas include: Ligurian, located south of the Riviera and north of Corsica; Tyrrhenian Sea, enclosed between peninsular Italy, Sicily and Sardinia; Adriatic Sea, washing the shores of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania; Ionian Sea between Greece and southern Italy; Cretan Sea between the island of Crete and peninsular Greece; Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. There are also a number of large bays, for example Alicante - off the eastern coast of Spain; Lyon - off the southern coast of France; Taranto - between the two southern protrusions of the Apennine Peninsula; Antalya and Iskenderun - off the southern coast of Turkey; Sidra - in the central part of the coast of Libya; Gabes and Tunisian - respectively, off the southeastern and northeastern coasts of Tunisia.
The modern Mediterranean Sea is a relic of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which was much wider and extended far to the east. Relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara seas, confined to its deepest depressions. It is likely that Tethys was once completely surrounded by land, and there was an isthmus between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the area of the Strait of Gibraltar. The same land bridge connected southeastern Europe with Asia Minor. It is possible that the Bosporus, Dardanelles and Gibraltar straits were formed on the site of flooded river valleys, and many island chains, especially in the Aegean Sea, were connected to the mainland.
In the Mediterranean Sea there are western and eastern depressions. The border between them is drawn through the Calabrian ledge of the Apennine Peninsula, Sicily and the underwater Adventure Bank (up to 400 m deep), stretching for almost 150 km from Sicily to Cape Bon in Tunisia. Within both depressions, even smaller ones are isolated, usually bearing the names of the corresponding seas, for example, the Aegean, Adriatic, etc. The water in the western depression is slightly colder and fresher than in the eastern: in the west, the average temperature of the surface layer is approx. 12° C in February and 24° C in August, and in the east - 17° C and 27° C, respectively. One of the coldest and stormiest areas of the Mediterranean Sea is the Gulf of Lyon. The salinity of the sea varies widely, as less salty water comes from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar.
The tides here are low, but quite significant in very narrow straits and bays, especially during the full moon. However, quite strong currents are observed in the straits, directed both into and out of the Mediterranean Sea. Evaporation is higher than in the Atlantic Ocean or the Black Sea, so surface currents arise in the straits, carrying fresher water to the Mediterranean Sea. At depths below these surface currents, countercurrents occur, but they do not compensate for the influx of water at the surface.
The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many places is composed of yellow carbonate silt, below which lies blue silt. Near the mouths of large rivers, the blue silts are overlain by deltaic deposits, which occupy a large area. The depths of the Mediterranean Sea vary greatly: the highest level - 5121 m - was recorded in the Hellenic deep-sea trench off the southern tip of Greece. The average depth of the western basin is 1430 m, and its shallowest part, the Adriatic Sea, has an average depth of only 242 m.
In some places, significant areas of dissected relief rise above the general surface of the Mediterranean Sea bottom, the tops of which form islands. Many (though not all) of them are of volcanic origin. Among the islands, we note, for example, Alboran, located east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and the group of Balearic Islands (Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera) east of the Iberian Peninsula; mountainous Corsica and Sardinia - to the west of the Apennine Peninsula, as well as a number of small islands in the same area - Elba, Pontine, Ischia and Capri; and to the north of Sicily - Stromboli and Lipari. Within the Eastern Mediterranean Basin is the island of Malta (south of Sicily), and further to the east are Crete and Cyprus. There are numerous small islands in the Ionian, Cretan and Aegean seas; Among them are the Ionian - to the west of mainland Greece, the Cyclades - to the east of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Rhodes - off the southwestern coast of Turkey.
Large rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea: Ebro (in Spain); Rhône (in France); Arno, Tiber and Volturno (in Italy). The rivers Po and Tagliamento (in Italy) and Isonzo (on the border of Italy and Slovenia) flow into the Adriatic Sea. The Aegean Sea basin includes the rivers Vardar (in Greece and Macedonia), Struma, or Strymon, and Mesta, or Nestos (in Bulgaria and Greece). The largest river in the Mediterranean basin, the Nile is the only major river flowing into this sea from the south.
The Mediterranean Sea is renowned for its calm and beauty, but like other seas, it can be rough during certain seasons, causing large waves to hit the coast. The Mediterranean has long attracted people due to its favorable climate. The term "Mediterranean" is used to describe a climate with long, hot, clear, and dry summers and short, cool, wet winters. Many coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, especially the southern and eastern ones, have semiarid and arid climate features. In particular, semi-aridity with an abundance of clear sunny days is considered typical for the Mediterranean climate. However, in winter there are many cold days when damp, cold winds bring rain, drizzle and sometimes snow.
The Mediterranean is also famous for the attractiveness of its landscapes. The French and Italian Riviera, the outskirts of Naples, the Adriatic coast of Croatia with numerous islands, the shores of Greece and Lebanon, where steep mountain slopes approach the sea itself, are especially picturesque. Important trade routes and cultural spread passed through the main islands of the eastern Mediterranean - from the Middle East, Egypt and Crete to Greece, Rome, Spain and France; another route ran along the southern coast of the sea - from Egypt to Morocco.
Mediterranean Sea- Mediterranean, intercontinental sea of the Atlantic Ocean, connected to it in the west by the Strait of Gibraltar.
The seas of the Mediterranean basin wash the shores of the states: Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria, Morocco.
In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait connects it with the Sea of Marmara and then the Bosporus Strait - with the Black Sea, in the southeast with the Suez Canal - with the Red Sea.
Area 2500 thousand sq. km.
The average depth is 1541 m, the maximum is 5121 m.
The most significant bays are: Valencia, Lyon, Genoa, Taranto, Sidra (B. Sirte), Gabes (M. Sirte).
Largest islands: Balearic, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus.
The large rivers Ebro, Rhone, Tiber, Po, Nile, etc. flow into the Mediterranean Sea; their total annual flow is approx. 430 cubic km
The flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails. the small number of larger animals that feed on them, including fish. The amount of phytoplankton in surface horizons is only 8-10 mg/cubic meter; at a depth of 1000-2000 m it is 10-20 times less. Algae are very diverse (peridinea and diatoms predominate).
The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by great species diversity, but the number of representatives of the department. there are few species. There are dolphins, one type of seal (the white-bellied seal); sea turtle. There are 550 species of fish (sharks, mackerel, herring, anchovies, mullet, coryphenidae, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including stingrays, anchovy species, gobies, and mora. blennies, wrasse and needlefish. Of the edible shellfish, the most important are the oyster, the Mediterranean-Black Sea mussel, and the sea date. Of the invertebrates, octopuses, squids, sepia, crabs, lobsters are common; numerous species of jellyfish and siphonophores; In some areas, especially in the Aegean Sea, sponges and red coral are found.
Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea is of secondary importance compared to other Atlantic basins. Industrialization of the coast, urban growth, and development of recreational areas lead to intense pollution of the coastal strip.
The resorts of the Cote d'Azur (Riviera) in France and Italy, the resorts of the Levantine coast and the Balearic Islands in Spain, etc. are widely known.
Photos of the Mediterranean Sea:
Menton, France
Countries and resorts of the Mediterranean Sea: maps, photos and videos. Holidays in the Mediterranean, hotels, beaches, water temperature off the coast of resorts.
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The cradle of civilizations, the bone of discord and the oldest trade routes - all this is a “sea in the middle of the earth”, whose waves wash the shores of 22 states, most of which have managed to derive direct tourist benefits from this remarkable neighborhood. It is on the numerous coasts of the Mediterranean Sea that the world's most famous resorts are located, to which millions of vacationers from all over the world flock every year. The countries of two continents - Africa and Eurasia, as well as numerous islands and archipelagos provide all the conditions for a good beach holiday: albeit not always warm, but quite clean waters, a sandy or pebble coast with a remarkably wide coastline, lush fruit-bearing nature and a lot of historical ruins around. What is especially pleasant is that a holiday in the Mediterranean bush can be classified as budget: a little more expensive than domestic “souths” and at the same time a whole range of entertainment and, for now, alas, a level of service that is mainly unattainable in the homeland.
Mediterranean countries
Let us not bend our hearts when we say that the Mediterranean is one of those successful tourism destinations in all respects, capable of offering the demanding tourist almost everything, immediately and at reasonable prices. There’s just so much to be had on the hospitable shores of the “middle sea”: plant-based relaxation in flip-flops and a swimsuit, interesting excursions to the sights of almost any period known to historical science, authentic items of souvenir interest, rich opportunities for learning foreign languages “with immersion”, and terribly tasty, and most importantly healthy Mediterranean cuisine, on whose dishes more than one generation of centenarians has been raised.
Another characteristic feature of the Mediterranean, a balm for the heart of an attentive tourist, is the exceptional diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures.
Everyone will find something to their liking: praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem or burning through what they have acquired through “backbreaking labor” at golden parties in Monaco, inhaling the smell of eternity in the Giza Valley or listening to the chirping of cicadas in emerald Corfu, following in the footsteps of the Grand Duchesses on the streets of Istanbul or looking at Fez drowning in the red midday haze.
Other pleasant bonuses of the destination include a short flight (most resorts can be reached in no more than 4 hours), a unified visa regime (we’re talking about Schengen), which allows you to go to your neighbors along the coastline for the evening without any hassle, or in some cases, even lack of visa formalities - like in Tunisia or Turkey. Among other things, the Mediterranean is the most financially accessible of the foreign resort seas - you can find a holiday here starting from 200 EUR “from the nose”. Finally, the climate here is closest to the “universal” one - the swimming season is from May to October, the absence of sweltering heat in the summer and mild, moderately sunny winters. The only downside is the extraordinary popularity of Mediterranean beaches, which in terms of the number of bodies per square meter of area easily surpasses the Klondike of the Gold Rush. However, for fans of secluded relaxation, the Mediterranean Sea has in store several secret corners, such as small Greek islands, where nothing prevents you from consigning everyday life to oblivion.
Part Mediterranean countries includes European, Asian and African states. Tourists are attracted to them by their picturesque nature, clear sea waters, and a large number of architectural and historical monuments.
On the coast you can find pebble and sand beaches. The wide and long coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is home to many places for budget holidays and resorts that amaze with their luxury.
Mediterranean Sea on a world map with countries around it
- Bizerta;
- Kelibia;
- Monastir;
- Sfax.
Recently, Tunisia has been serious competition Turkey and Egypt. The gap in the level of service with European and Asian resorts is constantly narrowing. Tourists come to Tunisia not only for a beach holiday, but also for treatment. In most hotels in Tunisia you can find traditional medicine centers. They are no less popular than the Mediterranean coast.
Directions by interest
- The beautiful beaches of Malta are worth a visit not only for those who love a comfortable holiday on landscaped beaches, but also for those who want to get practice in English. It is one of the official languages of the island state.
- Behind noise and fun, as well as for a comfortable holiday at an affordable price, it is worth going to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
- Exotic holiday can be found on the coast of North Africa. The best resorts in the southeast Mediterranean are in Tunisia and Morocco. In these regions you will feel not only exoticism, but also comfort.
- Vacationers talking in Russian language, will surround you on the beaches of Israel. The excellent service provided by local hotels will not overshadow your holiday in the Promised Land with its cost. The Red and Marmara Seas compete with the Mediterranean beaches here.
The most quiet beaches The Mediterranean Sea must be sought on its northeastern coast - in and Croatia. In these places, beach tourism is under development, so recreation is available to a large number of tourists.
Sandy and pebble beaches are surrounded by picturesque mountains covered with dense vegetation.
The Mediterranean Sea is connected to the Atlantic Ocean in the west through the Strait of Gibraltar. This enclosed sea is surrounded on all sides by land. The ancient Greeks called the Mediterranean Sea the sea in the middle of the Earth. At that time, this name was fully justified, because all the ancient European and North African civilizations appeared in the basin of this sea. And it was the Mediterranean Sea that served as the main route for contacts between them.
Interesting fact: they say that the Mediterranean Sea is the remnants of its former greatness. Previously, in its place was the ancient Tethys Ocean. It extended far to the east and was much wider. Today, from Tethys, in addition to the Mediterranean Sea, only the drying up Aral and Caspian seas, as well as the Black, Azov and Marmara seas remain. The last three seas are included in the Mediterranean basin.
In addition, within the Mediterranean Sea, the Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Cretan, Libyan, Cyprus and Levantine seas are distinguished as separate seas.
Detailed physical map of the Mediterranean seas in Russian. To enlarge, just click on the picture.
The currents of the Mediterranean Sea are not entirely normal. Under the influence of high temperatures, a lot of water evaporates and, therefore, the flow of fresh water prevails over its inflow. This naturally leads to a decrease in the water level and it has to be drawn from the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. Interestingly, at depth in more saline layers the reverse process occurs and salt water flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to the above factors, the currents of the Mediterranean Sea are mainly caused by wind processes. Their speed in open parts of the sea is 0.5-1.0 km/h; in the straits it can increase to 2-4 km/h. (for comparison, the Gulf Stream moves north at a speed of 6–10 km/h).
The magnitude of the tides is usually less than one meter, but there are places where, together with wind surges, it can reach up to four meters (for example, the northern coast of the island of Corsica or the Strait of Genoa). In narrow straits (the Strait of Messina), the tides can cause strong currents. In winter, waves reach their maximum and wave heights can reach 6-8 m.
The water of the Mediterranean Sea has an intense blue color and a relative transparency of 50-60 m. It is one of the saltiest and warmest seas in the world. In summer, the water temperature varies from 19 to 25 degrees, while in the east it can reach 27-3°C. In winter, the average water temperature decreases from north to south and varies between 8-17°C in the east and central part of the sea. At the same time, in the west the temperature regime is more stable and the temperature stays between 11-15°C.
There are many large and not very large islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and almost each of them is an attraction for many tourists. Let's name just a few of them:
The islands of Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain, Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, Corfu, Crete and Rhodes in Greece, Corsica in France, as well as Cyprus and Malta.
