The Mediterranean Sea is an inland sea surrounded by Asia, Europe, and Africa, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea. It has a long coastline, abundant sunshine, and is home to many fish species. It was an important trade route in ancient times but is now facing pollution and overuse. Conservation efforts are being made to protect the region.
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea in the Atlantic Ocean that is almost completely surrounded by land. This inland sea borders Asia to the east, Europe to the north and Africa to the south. Although mostly landlocked, it connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar and to the Black Sea through the Bosphorus, the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara. Also, the Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. In oceanography, this sea is sometimes called the “European Mediterranean Sea” or the “Eur-African Mediterranean” to differentiate it from other Mediterranean seas found in different parts of the world.
The Mediterranean Sea is approximately 2,400 miles (3862 kilometers) long and its average depth is approximately 5,040 feet (1.53 km). Covering an area of approximately 965,000 square miles (2,500,000 square km), it is surrounded by a long, winding coastline filled with mountains and peninsulas. Regions around the sea typically have wet winters and hot, dry summers. Due to the abundant sunshine the area receives most of the year, common crops include olives, oranges, tangerines, grapes and cork. Currently in the Mediterranean live about 400 species of fish and corals and sponges are still quite abundant.
Often called “the cradle of civilization”, the Mediterranean Sea was an important trade route for merchants and travelers in ancient times. It was first used as a commercial highway by Phoenician merchants, but the Romans, Greeks and Italians later vied for dominance of the Mediterranean coasts and, therefore, most of the trade. The importance of this trade route increased after the opening of the artificial Suez Canal in 1869.
In recent years, man has significantly changed the geology of the Mediterranean region. Dams, structures, buildings and canals have been built up and down the once pristine shorelines, leading to increased and diverted erosion patterns. Resorts along the coast are creating extremely polluted beaches. There are many boats traveling in the Mediterranean which has led to a high rate of water pollution which is altering the natural chemicals of the Mediterranean Sea and destroying marine life.
The surrounding countries are trying to conserve and protect the entire Mediterranean region. These countries have worked together to try to eliminate the disposal of toxic waste in the sea. Despite these efforts, the overuse and pollution of marine and natural resources continues to be a problem.
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