Despite the wide popularity of travel to Asia and America, tours along the Mediterranean coast are not losing their attractiveness for many years. The warm sea, the mild climate and the abundance of historically significant places invariably decide the tourists of the near and far abroad.

The Mediterranean Sea is an extensive reservoir, uniting Asia, Europe and Africa. because of geographic location The sea is called intercontinental or outskirts. Through the Gibraltar Strait, more than 13 km long, the sea flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The area of \u200b\u200bthe Mediterranean basin is about 3 million km 2. The length of the reservoir from the west to the East is about 3,800 km, and from north to south - about 1,700 km. The total amount of water resources of the sea is more than 3800 km 3.

The Mediterranean Sea has a long history. It is a "descendant" of the ancient pond of the Tethis, which was between the two oldest continents. After the displacement of tectonic plates and continental drift, the pool could not save his former shape.

First travelers who have mastered movement by sea, residents are considered Ancient Egypt. Already in 3000 g BC The Mediterranean pool was used to transport trade cargo, people and livestock. In addition to the Egyptians, the maritime communications used the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans.

After the 1400s. Trading moved to new lands - India and East. However, after the opening of the Suez Canal in the XIX century, the Mediterranean pool again became one of the leaders in the development of shipping, tourism and trade, and he continues to be considered as this day.

Countries werehed by the Mediterranean Sea

The Waves of the Mediterranean are washed by the coast of Europe, the North Africa and a small section of South-West Asia. Among them:

Seas

The Mediterranean Sea is an extensive watershed, which includes pools of other water bodies, wash the coastal lines of the African and Eurasian continents.

The seas of the Mediterranean region are considered:

River

A variety of rivers fall into the aqueous array of the Mediterranean Sea.

The most voluminous of them:

Islands

As in any other, in the Mediterranean Sea there is a huge number of islands, different in size and location. Some of them are separate states. Archipelagoes, including several islands, are ranked to countries that are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The most populated islands:

Depth of the Mediterranean Sea

Although the Mediterranean Sea is not included in the list of the deepest reservoirs of the world, in some places of the basin there are areas with recesses of more than 4,000 meters long. The deepest is considered to be Ellinskaya Tspadina - 5121 m.
It is used to mining minerals - natural gas and oil. The average depth of the watershed is approximately 1500 m.

Geological structure and relief

The relief of the Mediterranean Sea was formed under the influence of the climate of the Earth. The depths of the pool are divided into 2 shares - oriental and western. The first is an uneven surface that is littered with a variety of depressions and ridges. The relief of the Western Sea Region is even and relatively gentle.

At the bottom of the reservoir there are tectonic depressions, elevations of existing and extinct volcanoes. Also, the seaside depths are made of innumerable sets of sunken ships.

Among the largest bays of the Mediterranean are distinguished:

1. Genoese.
2. Gabes.
3. Cider.
4. Lyon.
5. Taranto.
6. Valensky.

Hydrological mode

The aqueous regime of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a strong evaporation, to replenish which not enough atmospheric precipitation entering the pool.

The reason for this is the geographical location of the water branch, which is influenced by the surrounding countries with climatic conditions, which implies the predominance of high air temperatures. The lack of resources eliminate the water coming from Atlantic Ocean.

Salt of the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is considered fairly warm. Sea water temperature adjust salinity and density parametersincreasing during evaporation. The movement of water streams provoke wind. In the spills of water flows faster - up to 2-4 km / h, while the rate of flow of free plots is about 1 km / h.

The transparency of the water of the Mediterranean is 55-60 m. The color of the reservoir in deep-water sections is dark blue, and coastal waters have a blue-blue tint.

Vegetable world

The Mediterranean Flora is rich and diverse. Its foundation is the colonies of brown, green and red algae, the total number of types of which is approaching 800. In the layers of the sea, the phytoplankton is available for solar color, the population of which is poorly developed.

About 700 km of the seabed occupy an oceanic. This plant is considered one of the largest in length among well-known varieties of algae. Posidonia is also unique ancient historySince its age exceeds 100 thousand years.

Animal world

The fauna of the Mediterranean basin is considered scarce in size, in comparison with the number of representatives of the animal world of the other seas. This is connected with a small variety of plankton, which is food for maritime residents.

In addition to famous species of fish and mammals, in the waters of the Mediterranean, there are about 900 varieties of mollusks, and invertebrate animals.

In the reservoir live:

Fish of the Mediterranean Sea

Spring and summer are considered a period of spawning fish. At this time, they hold out dispersed, not going to large shoals. However, in winter it is possible to celebrate large accumulations of underwater residents of various varieties.

Mediterranean waters are home to about 750 species of fish. Dolphins, tuna and several types of volatile fish live in the reservoir. Approximately 290 varieties of waterfowl inhabit the Israeli part of the sea.

Among them:

• mullet;
• lavrak;
• dorada;
• garfish;
• boulder;
• silago;
• palam;
• marmir;
• spitz;
• grug;
• aras;
• saragus;
• lufar.

Dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea

The Water of the Mediterranean Basin inhabits many species of fish, animals and plants that can bring harm to a person and pose a danger to his health:

Tourism in the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Sea opens holiday season From the end of April, it lasts until the beginning of October. The most favorable period is the time from May to July. In August, the jellyfish season begins, so swimming in the sea becomes unsafe. The water of the Mediterranean is held throughout the year within + 12 ° - + 29 ° C in the coldest and hottest month, respectively.

Mediterranean Sea offers as a quiet holiday on coastal beachesAnd saturated active and excursion programs.

Travelers have access to such types:

• diving;
• surfing;
• yachting;
• snorkeling;
• walking around the sea on the boats;
• asking aquariums, water parks, entertainment centers.

Large European resorts

Almost all European resort capitals on the shores of the Mediterranean are combined with the possibility of a beach holiday and a wide entertainment program. Each tourist point is distinguished by its features and local charm.

However, the largest vacation regions are considered:

In Greece, tourists will open for themselves peace, combining the dimension and spirit of antiquity. There are priceless everywhere historical monumentsremaining since the times of ancient Greece. Athens, Thessaloniki and Fiiva will show the beauty and majesty of the structures of this era to the fullest.

The tourist infrastructure in the country is very developed, so each resort provides service at the highest level. In addition to recreation on the beach and excursion tours, travelers offer diving classes, visiting the wineries and downtown.

In Greece, you should visit the city:

The state of Cyprus is an island that has been shot by a variety of recreation areas. Here travelers will find sand beaches With a crystal clear coastal line, where you can forget about the bustle of big cities. Large resorts Cyprus is Limassol, Paphos and Ai-Napa.

Italy is a country with a wide selection of resort holidays. The north of the state is known for their attractions and a huge excursion program. In the south of tourists is waiting for a warm welcome local residents, the ability to relax on the beach and enjoy the world famous national Kitchen. An unforgettable vacation will give the Italian Islands of Sicily, Capri and Sardinia.

In Italy, you should visit such cities like:

Spain Many travelers consider exotic countrysince it is different from most european states.

Most Spanish resorts are located on the islands and small archipelagoes in the Mediterranean Sea:

• Ibiza;
• Tenerife;
• Majorca;
• Minorca.

Nevertheless, there are enough places for rest on the mainland. Barcelona will surprise the Catalan flavor and open the world of Gaudi architecture, and Valencia will show the tourist to the homeland of Don Quixote. Travelers will like the coast of Costa Brava, Costa del Sol and the resort of San Sebastian.

France is called the country for elite rest. In the resorts of the Luxury class, the stars of global are resting, but also a budget tourist will be able to relax here without much financial damage. Hotels have gradation in classes, like individual resort areas.

The famous cities of the Azure Coast of the Mediterranean are considered:

Despite the higher cost of European recreation, the price pays off due to the high quality of service, excellent cuisine and a variety of leisure program.

During the holidays, it is worth remembering that in many resort countries of the Mediterranean during lunch all the establishments are closed on Siesta. It happens around from 13:00 to 17:00.

Attractive Asian coast

Tourist business is most common in the countries of the Asian Coast of Mediterranean as Turkey, Israel and Egypt. Here travelers come practically round yearThanks to the pleasant climate of the region.

Israel is famous for its resorts. In Tel Aviv, tourists plunge into a contrasting atmosphere of the capital, will be able to see coloric eastern streets and go on excursions on important historical places. All beach zones Tel Aviv are well equipped, and the sand on the sea coast has a gold tint. Tourists consider it a highlight of the Israeli coast.

Rest in Israel will provide resort towns:

• Haifa;
• Syremit;
• Herzliya;
• Dado;
• Bat yam.

Cairo - the capital of Egypt. Here tourists can meet with the greatest monuments Architecture preserved from pre-Christian times.

The Great Pyramids in Giza and the Sphinx visit are included in the mandatory excursion program. Fascinating is the study of the Nile Valley, where vacationers will be able to enjoy the view of magnificent gardens and ancient rock caves. In Alexandria and Mersa Merza, except historic attractions, travelers are offered a beach holiday.

Turkey is considered the most visited resort country Mediterranean Sea. Almost every coastal city has the status of the resort. Service, hotel levels and recreation quality are also striking the most stringent critics. The Turkish coast is predominantly sandy, pebble beaches are less common.

As an excursion program, tourists are offered:

• visiting mosques, museums, palaces;
• trips to Troy, Ephesus, Istanbul;
• tours B. underground cities Cappadocia.

Top Turkish Resorts:

1. Side.
2. Alanya.
3. Kemer.
4. Belek.
5. Antalya.

Popular African cities

The water of the southern part of the Mediterranean is washed by North African states. Most popular tourist destinations Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco are considered. Every year the country is adding resorts and improve the service, which represents competition for the European Mediterranean.

Despite the fact that Algeria's beaches are somewhat inferior to the coastline of other Mediterranean capitals of Africa, the city does not lose its popularity among tourists.

Lovers of excursions will appreciate visits on the ruins of Byzantine, Phoenician and Roman facilities. Travelers preferring leisure, Sugar tours are suitable on jeep or camels. Rest by the sea can be held on Cape Sidi Fredz and the Turquoise shore.

Tangier is considered one of the main resort points of Morocco. The city is attractive in that it is simultaneously washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

In Tangier, you can not only rest at the water, but also see the famous oriental bazaars, colonial architecture and picturesque gardens with half-century trees. In El Hoseeim and Saidia, tourists will fall on the identity of Moroccan culture and will be able to spend a measured vacation.

The most popular resort of Tunisia is Hammamet. It is known for its crushed beaches and numerous thalassotherapy salons. Tourists are invited to visit the monuments of architecture, ancient ruins and well-groomed gardens, a variety of flora. Other popular resorts are monastir, Carthage and Djerba.

Mediterranean Cruises

Many tourists choose exactly a cruise vacation in the Mediterranean, due to the fact that in a short period of time you can visit several countries, and travel at any time of the year. By duration, the tours make up 3-13 days.

Depending on the class of the trip, a set of services and a view of the room may differ:

1. Standard - Low prices, a huge selection of services and entertainment, cabins without windows.
2. Premium - Luxury interiors, high level of service, exquisite kitchen, rooms with porthole.
3. Lux - liners are designed for not a large number of Passengers, staff performs any customer requirements, cabins with a balcony.

The spectrum of leisure activities can be included in the ticket price or purchased separately. On board, vacationers spend time in the room, attend the proposed cultural events or dispose of time at their discretion.

The sea movement liner commits in the evening or night time, so tourists are offered a large selection of entertainment:

• cafe, bars, restaurants;
• sports grounds and swimming pools;
• dance lessons;
• spa salons;
• cinemas;
• master classes for every taste;
• playgrounds and animators;
• libraries, Internet centers and gambling rooms;
• disco, Standap-show, theatrical productions.

Before poisoning on a journey, you must arrive at the landing site. The tourist also has the opportunity to join the tour along the trip from any port in which the ship performs a stop.

Cruise liners are usually recovering from European ports:

• Civitavekye;
• Trieste;
• Savona.

Every day, the liner stops in the new port. Light time of day is discharged for sightseeing on land. While the ship is in the parking lot, vacationers go on excursions or explore the city yourself.

Traveling around the sea is performed on ships:

• Royal Princess;
• Pacific Princess;
• Queen Vicroria;
• Costa.

The feature of Mediterranean cruises is an abundance of coastal excursions. The sea is surrounded by many countries in an ancient and rich history, which allows you to expand the horizons and visit the most significant places in a short time. Tours in the Mediterranean Sea covers the Western and Eastern Coast.

In the stop program cruise liners The ports of such cities include:

1. Italy:

2. Spain:

• Barcelona;
• Alicante;
• Malaga;
• Cadiz;
• Ibiza;
• Palma de Mallorca.

3. France:

• Ayachcho;
• Marseilles;
• Toulon.

4. Greece:

• Santorini;
• Corfu;
• Catabolion;
• Piraeus

5. Croatia:

• Split;
• Dubrovnik.

6. Malta - Valletta.

7. Montenegro - Kotor.

8. Portugal - Lisbon.

9. Cyprus - Limassol.

10. Morocco - Casablanca.

11. Monaco - Monte Carlo.

The countries werehed by the Mediterranean Sea allow you to know their culture and history, in addition, providing comfortable rest under the sun. The variety of the resorts of the Mediterranean will help you choose a place to leave for every taste and wealth.

Article clearance: Mila Freidan

Video about the Mediterranean Sea

Top 10 of the most dangerous inhabitants of the Mediterranean:

(Mage Internum) . And only at the beginning of VII in. The name of the Mediterranean Sea appears (Mare Mediterraneum) who gained universal recognition. Now all languages \u200b\u200bit is transmitted by semantic translation: english Mediterranean SEA, italian. Mare Mediterraneo it. Mittellandisches Mega, russian Mediterranean sea, etc. Cm. Also albalance, er-reef.

Geographical names of the world: toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

intermarkets of the Atlantic Ocean Between Europe and Africa. The Gibraltar Strait (length is 59 km, width 14-44 km, the lowest depth of 53 m) is connected to the ocean, through the Strait of Dardanelles (length 120 km, width 1.3-27 km, depth 29-153 m). The Marmara Sea (depth up to 1273 m) and the Bosphorus Strait - with the Black Sea, through the Suez Canal - with the Red Sea. The greatest depth is 5121 m. In North. Parts allocate separated by you and P-ovas of the sea: Albão, Balearo, Ligugayan, Tyrrhen, Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean and Cyprus. Large O-VA: Balearic (Spain), Corsica (France), Sardinia, Sicily (Italy), Crete (Greece) and Cyprus (sovereign state). Pave the River Nile, By, Ron, Ebro. Winter is 12-17 ° C, in summer - from 19 to 27-30 "S. Solenost from 36 ppm. Tuna, mackerels, mackerel, oil mining on the shelf, the most important seaside paths, resorts.

Short geographic dictionary. Edwart. 2008.

Mediterranean Sea

(Mediterranean SEA.), shares Europe, Asia and Africa. Pl. 2505 thousand km², media. Depth 1438 m, NaB. 5121 m. For some geol. Theories, the rest of the ancient Ocean Tetis. Associated with the Atlantic Ocean through Gibraltar Prol. , through the prol. Dardanelles With marble and black seas. With discovery Suez Canal Through the Red Sea, connected to the Indian Ocean. On the shores of S. m. Ancient civilizations arose (Egyptian, Allenskaya, Roman, etc.). In antiquity, S. m. Call internal., Great Sea and Even the Ocean. Within S. m. Seasy seas: Adriatic, Balearoic, Ionian, Ligurian, Tirren, Aegean. Often distinguished Sea Sirta, or Libyan (bay Gabes. and Cider ), Levancet Sea (on V. from Crito-African Prol.) And the Phoenician Sea (extreme Vost.). Sometimes in Bass. S. m. Include Azov, Marble and Black Sea. The temperature of the water on the surface from 8-17 ° C (winter) to 19-30 ° C (summer). Because of the large evaporation, the saline is increased, from 36 ‰ on Z. up to 39.5 ‰ on B. Flying is semi-sufficient, up to 0.5 m. The continental blesses are narrow, cool slopes, cut the canyons. Many O-GBI, the largest: Balearic, Corsica , Sardinia , Sicily , Cyprus , Crete . High seismicity. Numerous rivers fall, the largest: Rona , Nile , By . A court-based court, the most important ways are associated with Europe, Africa and the countries of the South. and east. Asia. Fish-in (sardines, mackerel, tuna, mackerel, etc.), collecting sponges. Oil is produced on the Adriatic and Aegean seas shelf. The largest ports: Barcelona (Spain), Marseilles (France), Genoa , Trieste (Italy), Piraeus and Thessaloniki (Greece), Beirut (Lebanon), Alexandria and Port Said (Egypt), Tripoli. (Libya), Algeria (Algeria). On the shores, famous resorts: Cote d'Azur , Levancen and Dinar Coast, Balearic O-Wa, etc. The sea is very polluted prom. and household waste.

Dictionary modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: y-factor. Under the general edited by Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Mediterranean Sea

one of the largest seas in size. The adjective "Mediterranean" is widely used in describing peoples, countries, climate, vegetation; For many, the concept of "Mediterranean" is associated with a special way of life or with a whole period in the history of mankind.
The Mediterranean Sea shares Europe, Africa and Asia, but it also tightly connected to a southern Europe, North Africa and West Asia. The length of this sea from the west to the East is approx. 3700 km, and from north to south (in the widest place) - approx. 1600 km. On the north coast there are Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece. From the east to the sea leaves a number asian countries - Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel. Finally, on southern coast Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco are located. Area of \u200b\u200bthe Mediterranean Sea 2.5 million square meters. COM, and, since only narrow straits are associated with other reservoirs, it can be considered the inner sea. In the West through the Gibraltar shed 14 km wide and a depth of 400 m, it has access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeast of the Strait of Dardanelles, the places narrowing up to 1.3 km, connects it with the marble sea and through the Bosphorus Strait - with black. In the south-east, an artificial structure - the Suez Canal - connects the Mediterranean Sea with red. These three narrow water passes have always been very important for trade, navigation and strategic goals. At various times they were controlled - or sought to control - the British, French, Turks and Russians. Romans of the Roman Empire called the Mediterranean Sea Mare Nostrum ("Our Sea").
The coastline of the Mediterranean Sea is strongly cut, and the numerous ledges of sushi dismember it with a variety of semi-insulated waters that have their own names. These seas include: Ligurian, south of Riviera and the north of Corsica; Tyrrhenian Sea, concluded between the Peninsula Itialia, Sicily and Sardinia; The Adriatic Sea, washing the shores of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia and Albania; Ionian Sea between Greece and Southern Italy; Cretan Sea between Crete Island and peninsular Greece; Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece. A number of large bays are also highlighted, for example, Alicante - eastern coast Spain; Lyon - at the southern coast of France; Taranto - between the two southern protrusions of the Apennine P-Ova; Antalya and Iskenderun - at the southern coast of Turkey; Cider - in the central part of the coast of Libya; Gabes and Tunisian - respectively, the southeast and northeast coast of Tunisia.
The modern Mediterranean is the relic of the ancient Ocean Tethis, which was much wider and stretched far east. The relics of the Ocean Tetis are also Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmala Sea, dedicated to his deepest pots. Probably, Tethis was once completely surrounded by land, and between North Africa and the Pyrenean Pena, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Gibraltar Strait, there was experiencing. The same land bridge associated southeast Europe with Malaya Asia. It is possible that the Bosphorus Straits, Dardanelles and Gibraltar 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 allocate western and eastern depressions. The border between them is carried out through the Calabrian protrusion of the Apennine P-Ova, Sicily and the underwater bank, Advencher (depth to 400 m), stretched almost 150 km from Sicily to Cape Bon in Tunisia. Within both depressions, they are even smaller, usually wearing the names of the respective seas, for example, Aegean, Adriatic, and other water in Western cavity is a little colder and forever than in Eastern: in the West average temperature near-surface layer 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 stormy sections of the Mediterranean Sea is the Lyon Bay. The salinity of the sea fluctuates widely, as less saline water arrives from the Atlantic Ocean through the Gibraltar Strait.
Tides here are low, but rather substantial in very narrow straits and bays, especially during the full moon. However, there are quite strong strengths in the sheds, directed both in the Mediterranean Sea and from it. Evaporation is higher than in the Atlantic Ocean or in the Black Sea, so in the sheds there are surface flows that carry more fresh water in the Mediterranean. At the depth, below these surface flows, arise anti-case, however, they do not compensate the inflow of water at the surface.
The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many places is composed of a yellow carbonate il, below which blue Il. Near the mouths of large rivers, the blue iba is overlapped by delta sediments involving a large area. The depths of the Mediterranean are very different: the greatest mark - 5121 m - is registered in the Gelena deep-water gittle in the southern tip of Greece. The average depth of Western brand is 1430 m, and its most shallow part is the Adriatic Sea - has a middle depth of only 242 m.
Above the overall surface of the Mediterranean Sea, there are significant areas of the dissected relief, the vertices of which form the islands. Many (although not all) of them have volcanic origins. Among the islands, we note, for example, the alboran located east of the Gibraltar Strait, and a group of Balearic O-Gossi (Menorca, Mallorca, Ivis and Formentera) to the east of the Pyrenean P-Oov; Highful Corsica and Sardinia - west of the Apennine P-Ova, as well as a number of small islands in the same area - Elba, Poncian, Ischia and Capri; And north of Sicily - Stromboli and Lipari. Within the East Mediterranean Basin, O. Malta is located (south of Sicily), and then East - Crete and Cyprus. In the Ionian, Cretan and Aegean seas, small islands are numerous; Among them are the ionic - west of mainland Greece, the Cyclades - east of P-ov Peloponnennese and Rhodes - in the south-west shore of Turkey.
Large rivers flow into the Mediterranean: Ebro (in Spain); Ron (in France); Arno, Tiber and Voltureno (in Italy). In the Adriatic Sea, the Rivers and Talamento rivers (in Italy) and Isonzo (on the border of Italy and Slovenia) fall into the Adriatic Sea. The Aegean Sea basin belongs to the Wardar River (in Greece and Macedonia), Struma, or Strimon, and Places, or Nestos (in Bulgaria and Greece). The largest river of the Mediterranean Basin Nile - the only large riverfalling into this sea from the south.
The Mediterranean Sea is famous for its calm and beauty, but, like other seas, in certain seasons can be stormy, and then big waves Wrapped on the coast. Predated Mediterranean attracts people to a favorable climate. The term "Mediterranean" is used to designate climate with long-term hot, clear and dry summer and short cool and wet winter. Many coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, especially southern and eastern, are inherent in semi-saming and arid traits of climate. In particular, semi-diabetes with an abundance of clear sunny days is considered typical for the Mediterranean climate. However, in winter there are many cold days when the wet cold wind brings rain, dried and sometimes snow.
The Mediterranean is also famous for the attractiveness of its landscapes. Especially picturesque French and Italian Riviera, the surroundings of Naples, the Adriatic coast of Croatia with numerous islands, Greece and Lebanon's shores, where the steep slopes of the mountains approach the sea. Through the main islands of the Eastern Mediterranean, important trading routes were held and culture was distributed - from the Middle East, Egypt and Crete to Greece, Rome, Spain and France; Another way passed along the southern coast of the sea - from Egypt to Morocco.

Encyclopedia Krugosvet. 2008 .

Watch what is the "Mediterranean Sea" in other dictionaries:

mediterranean Sea - Sea, located between the continents and the ocean associated with one or more sheds, for example, the Mediterranean and Red Sea. SYN: Intermothermal Sea ... Dictionary on geography

Mediterranean Sea, otherwise Great Sea, Western, Philistine, or Simple Sea (number. 34: 6, NA.19: 29, Ex LD.23: 31) Lies between Europe, Asiet and Africa presenting a huge Atlantic Bay, connecting with him Gibraltar ... ... Bible. Old and new covenants. Synodal translation. Biblical encyclopedia ARH. Nikifora.

Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, between Eurasia and Africa. The Gibraltar Strait is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Dardalandell, the marble sea and the Bosphorus of the Black Sea, the Suez Channel with the Red Sea. Area 2.5 million ... Modern encyclopedia

Atlantic OK. between Eurasia and Africa. Connected by the Gibraltar Prol. with atlantic approx., via prol. Dardanelles, marble m. And prol. Bosphorus with black m., Suez Canal with red m. 2.5 million km & sup2. The average depth is 1438 m, the maximum ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Mediterranean Sea - EN Mediterranean Sea The Largest Inland Sea Between Europe, Africa and Asia, Linked to the Atlantic Ocean At Its Western End by The Strait Of Gibraltar, Including the Tyrrhenian, ... ... Technical translator directory

Mallorca Island in the Balearic Islands Group

The Mediterranean Sea is the only one in the ocean, whose water is washed by the coast of three parts of the world - Europe, Asia and Africa. The development of the Mediterranean man has a 4000-year history.

On the shores of the sea, the greatest civilizations of the world were thrilled: Egyptian, Persian, Phoenician, Assyrian, Greek, Roman. Ancient Romans even called him "Mare Nostrum" - "Our Sea". It served as a source of myths about the gods, it was and remains the center of art and science, history and philosophy. The Mediterranean region is the most important center for the migration of peoples, trade, distribution of cultures and religions. Sea directly and indirectly feeds the population of coastal states, ensures his work. Therefore, it is clear how important the condition of the natural environment of this huge inner reservoir is. Meanwhile, the environmental situation here more concerns concerns. No wonder the famous oceanologist J.I. Costo called the Mediterranean Sea "Dump of garbage".

Gibraltar Scala

Nature. The Mediterranean Sea deeply goes into the land and is one of the most isolated marine pools. Only the Gibraltar Strait, a narrow (width of up to 15 km) and relatively shallow (the smallest depth above the threshold of about 300 m), binds it to the Atlantic Ocean, and through even smaller sheds of Dardanelles and Bosphorus (depths above the thresholds of 40-50 m), separated The marble sea, it is connected to the Black Sea. On the Suez Channel is carried out only transport connection between the red and the Mediterranean seas, on natural conditions The last channel does not affect.

The area of \u200b\u200bthe Mediterranean is 2.5 million km2, the volume of water is 3.6 million km3, the average depth - 1440 m, the largest - 5121 m. In size and depths, it is one of the large seas of the world's ocean.

The coastline of the sea is very dismembered, many peninsulas and islands (most significant - Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, Corsica, Crete). The Apennine Peninsula and Island of Sicily Sea is divided into two large basins: Western and East, (divided into central and actively oriental). The western part of the sea is connected to the Eastern shallow Tunisian and narrow messinical straits. Each of the pools includes several "subbacies", called seas. It is albão, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian Sea in the western pool; Adriatic, Ionian, Aegean, Levant * - Central and East.

The relief of the seabed is quite dismembered. The shelf is narrow, mostly not wider than 40 km. The mainstream slope is predominantly very cool and cut underwater canyons. The bed of the sea in the western basin is the plain on which the underwater mountains are highlighted, especially in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, Italian geologists recently discovered an unknown science. Acting underwater volcano. It is halfway from Naples to Sicily, its vertex - 500 m below sea level. In the Eastern Basin of the Sea, there is a complex dismembered middle ridge and a series of deep-water depressions (from the Ionian Islands, south of Crete and Rhodes). One of these varnishes has the greatest depth.

The Mediterranean Sea is located in the subtropical belt, it is characteristic of a special Mediterranean climate: soft winter and roast, dry summer. The air temperature in January varies from 8-10 ° C in the northern areas of the sea, up to 14-16 ° C on the southern coast. In the hottest month - August - the most heat 28-30 ° C is observed in the east coast.

During the year over the sea, North-Western and Western winds prevail, only in the south-west in the summer - Eastern. In winter, the invasion of the Atlantic cyclones causing storms. For some coastal areas of the sea are characterized by local winds. Bohr "- a cold northeast wind, sometimes reaching hurricane strength; Mistral is a cold, dry northern or northeastern wind of great strength, having the same nature. In the Aegean Sea in summer, sustainable northern winds are characterized in the Ethezia . From African deserts often blows hot wind Sirocco. It carries a large amount of dust, and the air temperature rises to 40 ° C or more. In the formation of local winds, the orography of coastal regions is played. Strong local winds affect the hydrological conditions in the sea . They cause water surges in coastal areas, contribute to the development of the processes of density (convective) mixing.

Stromboli Volcano Island in Tyrrhenian Sea

What is the water balance of the sea? River stock, correlated with the size of the sea, is small - an average of about 420 km3 / year, atmospheric precipitation - 1000 km3 / year. The main expenditure part of the balance is evaporation from the sea surface - about 3100 km3 / year. This leads to a decrease in the sea level and causes compensatory flow of water from the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. With such a water balance, the time of renewal of the Mediterranean waters is approximately 80-100 years.

The main water supply of the sea with the adjacent part of the Atlantic Ocean occurs through the Gibraltar Strait. High threshold in the strait isolates the sea from the invasion of the deep atlantic waters. Water from the ocean enters the sea only in the upper layer with a thickness of 150-180 m, and more deeply salty Mediterranean waters arise in the Atlantic. Through the Bosphorus Straits and Dardanelles in the surface layer in the Mediterranean Sea penetrate the desalinated Black Sea Waters, and in the deep layers, salted and dense water spreads from the Mediterranean sea into black. At the same time, the volume of water exchange through the Gibraltar Strait is many times higher than in the Black Sea strait.

In the formation of general circulation of waters in the surface layer of the Mediterranean Sea, such main factors as the nature of the winds, coastal drain and the tilt of the sea level are involved. In addition, the ratio of the coastline and the relief of the bottom are noticeable. These surface atlantic waters entering the sea through the Gibraltar Strait, move east along southern Coast In the form of a mesmering flow. Through the Tunisian Strait, the main flow passes into the eastern part of the sea and continues to move along the African coast. Having reached the Sea of \u200b\u200bLevant, the surface flow turns to the north, and then to the West and moves along the coast of Malaya Asia. In the ionic, Adriatic and Aegean seas, a closed circulation counterclockwise is formed.

The water temperature on the surface of the Mediterranean is generally rises from the North-West to the southeast. The lowest surface temperature is observed in February - from 9-10 ° C in the north of the Aegean Sea to 16-17 ° C in the Sea of \u200b\u200bLevant. In August, it changes from 20-21 ° C in Lyon Bay to 27-28 ° C (and even higher) in the Sea of \u200b\u200bLevanta. With a depth of spatial differences in temperature, they will quickly decrease on the horizon 200 m no longer exceed 4 ° C. The deep water stratum is characterized by a very homogeneous temperature. On the horizon 1000 M its values \u200b\u200bare within 12.9-13.9 ° C, and in the bottom layer - 12.6-13.4 ° C. In general, due to the insulation of the sea, the temperature of its deep water is characterized by high values: on the horizon 2000 m it is higher than in the ocean, by 8-10 ° C.

In connection with the fresh deficiency and strong evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea - one of the most salty in the world ocean. Its salinity almost everywhere exceeds 38, reaching the eastern shores to 39-39.5. The average salinity of the sea is about 38, while the ocean is 35.

Important hydrological feature The Mediterranean Sea is good ventilation of the bottom layers of water, despite the great depths. This is due to the active distribution of density (convective) mixing, which develops in the winter season when cooling the surface of the sea. The depth of convection penetration in different parts of the sea is unequal. Its main foci is the northern part of the Algerian-Olive basin, the Cretan Swimming pool of the Aegean Sea (convection depth of 2000 m or more), the Adriatic Sea (more than 1000 m). It is in these areas that the formation of deep Mediterranean waters occurs. In the seas of Tirren, Ionical and Levant, winter vertical circulation covers a layer of up to 200 m, and in the rest of the Mediterranean Sea is limited to the upper layer, mainly up to 100 m. The intensive development of convective mixing into the sea (especially in the "foci") provides good aeration Waters. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the thickness of water in different waters varies from 6.6 to 3.3% by volume.

The water of the Mediterranean Sea is poor nutritional biogenic substances, since their arrival from the outside (with river and ocean waters) is small. Therefore, the sea is generally characterized by low biological productivity. The total products of phyto and zooplankton are several times lower than in the Black Sea. However, in areas where rise to the surface of deep water (for example, in the South Adriatic), the biomass concentration is higher and comparable to the productive areas of the world's ocean.

Vegetable I. animal world The sea has mainly atlantic origin. Fauna is characterized by a large species diversity. Fish are represented by 550 species, and about 70 of them - endemics. Sardine, mackerel, Kefal, Anchovy, Pelamid, Kambala, Tuna and various types of sharks prevail in catch. Oysters, mussels are common from among the mollusks (on the coast of Spain, France, Italy is specifically growing), as well as octopuses and squid. Crustaceans are represented by shrimps, crabs, lobs. Dolphins live in sea mammals in the sea sea turtle And a monk seal, whose population is currently on the verge of extinction. Life in the sea is unevenly distributed. It is most developed near the coast, especially in the zones of the effect of river flow. With a favorable combination of various factors, local areas of active fish are formed into the sea.

Economy. The Mediterranean Sea will leave the territory of 17 states, including such industrialized countries, such as France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and others. On the coast of about 45 thousand km, more than 130 million people constantly live. It is added to 100 million tourists annually. All this defines an important role of the Mediterranean region in the global economy. The sea serves as the most important transport highway, which connects the Mediterranean and Black Sea states with the countries of all continents. Through major Mediterranean ports (, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bGenoa, Piraev, Beirut, Haifa, Alexandria and others) there are major freight and passenger transportation, both coaster and long-range sailing. A special place in the transport links is occupied by the Suez Canal - the shortest path connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean. In the structure of shipping, oil and petroleum products, gas, general cargoes prevail.

On the shelf of some areas of the sea, deposits of oil and gas were found. Oil and gas detected off the coast of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and African states. Exploration drilling is conducted on the shelves of the Adriatic and Aegean seas, the African coast.

The fishing and extraction of seafood (mollusks, crustaceans) in the sea is mainly carried out on small vessels in relatively small waters and is local. The fishing is carried out mainly in the coastal zone, near the islands, on banks and in areas of lifting to the surface of deep waters enriched with nutrients.

The most important economic branch of the Mediterranean is recreation. Sea coast - one of the main regions mass rest and tourism. The main resort zones are located in the seaside districts of France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Tunisia.

Sea gifts on the fish market in Naples

Ecology. Natural features and socio-economic features of the inner Mediterranean sea, a high degree of its economic development, a large population density on the coasts could not not affect the environmental state of the basin, which causes great alarm. Chemical pollution has the most tangible effect on the ecology of the sea.

The greatest amount of pollutants enters the Mediterranean Sea from the shores, especially in areas with high development of production (industry, transport, agriculture), recreation and tourism. It is here that the waste of economic activity is accumulated faster, a significant part of which in different ways falls into the sea. A serious source of pollution of the marine medium represents the stock of more than 70 large and small rivers, which are industrial and household waste from extensive areas of waterborne pools. A tangible contribution to the pollution of some coastal areas is brought by sea oil production. During exploration and commercial drilling in water, bornery solutions are harmful to organisms. When operating wells, the accidents are not uncommon on the drillings and, as a result, spills oil on the surface of the sea. Tanker transportation of oil and petroleum products also significantly pollute the marine environment. According to reports, the sea annually comes from 500 thousand to 1 million tons of oil and petroleum products.

As evidence World Organization Health (WHO), in the early 1990s, the following number of basic types of pollutants (in tons) were received annually from various sources on the railway: organic substances - 12 million, phosphorus compounds 320 thousand, nitrogen - 800 thousand, Mercury - 100, lead - 3800, chromium - 2400, zinc - 21, phenols - 12, synthetic detergents - 60, chlororganic pesticides - 90 thousand.

The overall level of pollution of the Mediterranean is high, although in different areas it is not the same. In open water areas, water is still quite clean, and coastal areas are most contaminated, in particular in the vicinity of river settlements. A characteristic example is a coastal area near the mouth of the Tiber, where the river makes the waste of three million Rome and where the number of pathogens exceeds the allowable rate on average 200 times. With the waters of the river in Adriatic, thousands of tons of various pollutants annually arrive.

Near major cities, local pollution zones are formed, associated with a discharge into a sea of \u200b\u200bcrude municipal wastewater and industrial waste. A chronically high level of pollution is celebrated in Eleusis Bay (Greece), Izmir, Tunisian and in the Alexandria area. The number of harmful impurities entering the sea in these areas is such that self-purification does not occur in seawater, impurities are preserved and accumulated in it. Extensive waters are polluted by oil. It is found in the sea in the form of fine surface films, oil lumps and clots. Thus, significant concentrations of oil bunches were found in the Ionian Sea and between Libya and Sicily.

Sea pollution and other anthropogenic effects are unfavorable, and sometimes destructively affect living organisms. For example, strong contamination of the Adriatic led to the death of many of its inhabitants. Significant environmental damage causes fisheries with exceeding acceptable norms; As a result of this cattle of valuable fish species decrease.

It cannot be said that the society indifferently observes the negative phenomena occurring in the Mediterranean ecosystem. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the regions of the World Ocean, in which international cooperation on the study and protection of the natural environment, restoration and preservation of natural ecological status. With the participation of the UN and UNEP, since the 1970s, several international programs are being implemented covering all the main environmental issues of the Mediterranean region. Amonging more than 100 years ago, the Blue Plan of Action in the Region, which includes a program of long-term research and monitoring, taking into account the socio-economic aspects, the development of a complex of environmental protection measures. In these international initiatives, almost all Mediterranean countries cooperate with intergovernmental agreements. At present, at least 14 states are fulfilled by national sea monitoring programs under UNEP. The results of the work and further plans are regularly discussed at representative meetings and forums. The latest international conference dedicated to the oceanographic issues of the eastern part of the Mediterranean and Black Sea was held in Athens. In February 1999, scientists of Russia, including Moscow State University, took part in it.

San Marco Square, Flooded in During Strong Storm Nagoda

Venice needs protection. This fabulous city, like a ghostly soaring over the greenish waters of the lagoon, with unique palaces, squares, canals are dangerous. There is a real threat to the loss of invaluable historical heritage of mankind.

The main problem of Venice is Acque Alt - "High Waters"; Abnormally high storm hooks, in which sea water floods some parts of the city, including the famous San Marco Square. Storm camrants in Venice are created with a certain combination of hydrometeorological conditions, which in itself represents an interesting natural phenomenon. Its main components are the hugging southern winds (sirocco), local decreases of atmospheric pressure (barical depression), as well as astronomical rings and seish fluctuations in the level. With the simultaneous maximum development of these factors, water in the Venetian lagoon can theoretically rise by 2.5 m, which is 1.8 m above the level of San Marco Square. Fortunately, this was not yet observed, but on November 4, 1966, the water level increased to 1.94 m. On this day, San Marko area was under a layer of water with a thickness of about 1 m. Already when raising a level by 1.1 m, it is flooded Up to 15% of the city's area, and with an increase in it by 1.3 m, water covers up to 60% of Venice area.

Storm camrants were always observed in Venice. The usual cases of "high waters" are up to 50 times in winter, very high arrows exceeding 1.3 m, occurred in the twentieth century about 20 times. However, since the 60s, the frequency and height of the arrivals increased, which prompted scientists to intensify the studies of this dangerous phenomenon.

Scientific works have shown that the progressive increase in water level in Venice may be due to the two main reasons: the overall increase in the level of the ocean and the lowering of the earth's surface within the city. As a result of slow oscillations, the ocean level from the beginning of the century rose by 9 cm, that is, a bit. According to the estimates, the main reason for the acceleration of the lowering of the earth's surface in the region of Venice is to pump groundwater for technical needs that began in the 50s. Since the 70s, water pumping has stopped, but nevertheless, from the beginning of the twentieth century, Venice is irreversibly dropped by 30 cm! The total consequences of the anomalous sedimentation of the soil and the eevstatic increase in sea levels completely explain the increase in the arrogance and an increase in the impact of "high waters" to the city.

Neapolitan bay

To prevent flooding in Venice, various versions of actions are considered: the erection of barrages against the arrivals, the weakening of their value or raising the city. Raising flooded sites of the city (at least the area of \u200b\u200bSan Marco Square) at least 40 cm to protect against the most frequent engines, it is very difficult technically, risky and expensive. This showed an experiment by pumping into the ground and cement.

The weakening of the hill may be by narrowing the passages to the Venetian lagoon, which confirmed the simulation. However, at the same time, water exchange will be completely insufficient to ensure the favorable ecological state of the lagoon, and it is so much polluted. It is appropriate to remind you about not quite successful partial overlap of the Nevsky Lip, undertaken to ensure the protection of St. Petersburg from flooding.

A project of the temporary overlap of the passes to the lagoon was also developed during the development of dangerous storm engines. It provides for a construction at the bottom of each passage of mobile transverse shutters, allowing to overlap the lagoon in the case of anomalous "high waters". At the same time, the storm warning must be obtained at least 12 hours before Nepha.

Discussion of various projects has not led to the final decision. When developing it, the main goal is to provide a favorable environmental situation in the Venetian lagoon, which has not yet been studied. As can be seen from publications, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe fabrication of the dam in the lagoon has not yet been supported. Preference is given to other measures: raise where the sushi level is possible, as well as more efficient channel cleaning.

The total area of \u200b\u200bthe sea is about 2500 thousand square meters. km, the highest depth of 5121 m, and the average - about one and a half thousand m. The total amount of water of the Mediterranean Sea is about 3839 thousand cubic meters. Since the Mediterranean Sea has a significant area, the water temperature on its surface is different in various districts. So, in the southern shores in January it is 14-16 degrees Celsius, and in the northern 7-10, and in August 25-30 in the southern and 22-24 in the north. The climate on the Mediterranean affects its position: a subtropical belt, but there is also a number of features, thanks to which the climate is distinguished into a separate category: Mediterranean. His characteristic features It is the fact that summer is dry and roast, and winter is very soft.

The Flora and the Fauna of the Mediterranean Sea are largely due to the fact that water contain a relatively small amount of plankton, which is vital for populations of marine inhabitants. Therefore, the total number of fish and larger representatives of the Mediterranean fauna are relatively few. In general, the fauna of the Mediterranean is characterized in that a large number of different animal species live here, but representatives of each species are very few. Fauna is also very diverse, a variety of algae grow.

Mediterranean Sea - Cradle of mankind

In ancient times, many human civilizations developed on various coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, and the sea itself was convenient by the message between them. Therefore, the Antique Writer Guy Julius Soline called it Mediterranean, it is believed that this is the first mention of the current name of the sea. Even today, the Mediterranean Sea coast, whose territory belongs to 22 states located on the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea from ancient times, people settled. Coastal areas have become a cradle for a number of civilizations, unique cultures originated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Today the coast also has a significant level of population, and the coastal economy is developed here. The greatest economic development has economic use of the sea by countries from the North Party. Extensive agriculture: cultivation of cotton, citrus, oilseeds. Fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea is not as well developed as on other seas, also being the atlantic ocean basins. Low fisheries are associated with a large number of industrial enterprises on the coasts of the sea, thereby deteriorating the environmental situation. On the Mediterranean coast, the most famous and very popular resorts, in the territories of all countries that have access to this sea.

An interesting feature of the Mediterranean is a constant observation by various people of mirages (also called Fata Morgan) in the Messinsky Strait.

Among other things, the Mediterranean Sea is a kind of transportation artery area. It is on its waters that are the most important trading routes between Europe and Asia, Africa, Australia and Oceania. Since Western European states are economically increasingly dependent on imported raw materials, the delivery of which is carried out mainly by the sea, the value of the Mediterranean waters like transport path, everything is growing. A particularly significant role is the Mediterranean Sea in the transport of oil cargo.