Countries on the Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean Sea: description, history, interesting facts

Mediterranean Sea- Mediterranean, intercontinental sea of ​​the Atlantic Ocean, connected to it in the west by the Strait of Gibraltar.

Seas of the Basin Mediterranean Sea 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

Vegetation and animal world 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 Balearic Islands in Spain, etc.

Photos of the Mediterranean Sea:

Menton, France

In the Mediterranean Sea there are seas: Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Cretan, Aegean. The Mediterranean Sea basin includes the Sea of ​​Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Sea of ​​Azov.

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.

The Mediterranean Sea juts out into the land between Europe, Africa and Asia.

The seas of the Mediterranean basin wash the shores of 21 states:

Europe (from west to east): Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus; Asia (from north to south): Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel; Africa (from east to west): Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco. In the northeast, the Dardanelles Strait connects it with the Sea of ​​Marmara and then the Bosporus Strait with the Black Sea, and in the southeast with the Suez Canal with the Red Sea.

Area 2500 thousand km².

The volume of water is 3839 thousand km³.

The average depth is 1541 m, the maximum is 5121 m.

The shores of the Mediterranean Sea near the mountainous coasts are predominantly abrasive, leveled, while on the low coasts they are lagoon-estuary and deltaic; For east coast Adriatic Sea Dalmatian-type shores are typical. 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 km³.

The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea is divided into several basins with relatively steep continental slopes, 2000-4000 m deep; Along the coast, the basin is bordered by a narrow strip of shelf, expanding only between the coast of Tunisia and Sicily, as well as within the Adriatic Sea.

Geomorphologically, the Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three basins: Western - Algerian-Provencal basin with a maximum depth of over 2800 m, combining the depressions of the Alboran, Balearic and Ligurian seas, as well as the depression Tyrrhenian Sea- over 3600 m; Central - over 5100 m (Central basin and depressions of the Adriatic and Ionian seas) and Eastern - Levantine, about 4380 m (depressions of the Levantine, Aegean and Marmara seas).

The bottom of some basins is covered with Neogene-anthropogenic strata (in the Balearic and Ligurian Seas up to 5-7 km thick) of sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Among the Messinian (Upper Miocene) deposits of the Algerian-Provencal Basin, a significant role belongs to the salt-bearing evaporite strata (over 1.5-2 km thick), forming structures characteristic of salt tectonics. Along the sides and in the center of the Tyrrhenian Basin there are several large faults with extinct and active volcanoes; some of them form large underwater mountains (Aeolian Islands, Vavilova Volcano, etc.). Volcanoes along the outskirts of the basin (in the Tuscan archipelago, on the Pontine Islands, Vesuvius, and the Aeolian Islands) erupt acidic and alkaline lavas, volcanoes in the center, parts of the Mediterranean Sea - deeper, basic lavas (basalts).

Part of the Central and Eastern (Levantine) basins are filled with sedimentary strata, including thick products of river outflows, especially the Nile. At the bottom of these basins, according to geophysical research, the Hellenic deep-sea trench and the Central Mediterranean Shaft are identified - a large arch up to 500-800 m high. Along the foot of the continental slope of Cyrenaica, the Libyan Trench can be traced, very clearly expressed in relief and weakly filled with sediments. The basins of the Mediterranean Sea are very different in the time of their formation. A significant part of the Eastern (Levantine) basin was formed in the Mesozoic, the Algerian-Provencal basin - from the end of the Oligocene - the beginning of the Miocene, some basins of the Mediterranean Sea - in the beginning - mid-Miocene, Pliocene. At the end of the Miocene (Messianic Age), shallow basins already existed over most of the Mediterranean Sea. The depth of the Algerian-Provencal basin during the deposition of salts in the Messinian Age was about 1-1.5 km. The salts accumulated as a result of strong evaporation and brine concentration due to the influx of sea water into a closed body of water through a strait that existed south of Gibraltar.

The modern depths of the Tyrrhenian depression were formed as a result of the subsidence of the bottom during the Pliocene and Anthropocene periods (over the last 5 million years); As a result of the same relatively rapid subsidence, several other basins arose. The formation of the basins of the Mediterranean Sea is associated either with the stretching (pulling apart) of the continental crust, or with the processes of compaction of the earth's crust and its subsidence. In the department In areas of the basins, processes of geosynclinal development continue. The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea in many parts is promising for searching for oil and gas deposits, especially in the area of ​​salt domes. In shelf zones, oil and gas deposits are confined to Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits.

The hydrological regime of the Mediterranean Sea is formed under the influence of high evaporation and general climatic conditions. conditions. Prevalence of flow fresh water above the arrival leads to a decrease in level, which is the reason for the constant influx of surface less salty waters from Atlantic. OK. and the Black Sea. In the deep layers of the straits, there is an outflow of highly saline waters, caused by the difference in water density at the level of the thresholds of the straits. Basic water exchange occurs through the Strait of Gibraltar. (the upper reaches bring 42.32 thousand km³ per year of Atlantic water, and the lower reaches 40.80 thousand km³ of Mediterranean water); 350 and 180 km³ of water per year flow in and out, respectively, through the Dardanelles.

The circulation of water in the S. m. has hl. arr. wind nature; it is represented by the main, almost zonal Canary Current, transporting water predominantly. Atlantic origin along Africa, from the Strait of Gibraltar. to the shores of Lebanon, with a cyclonic system. gyres in isolated seas and basins to the left of this current. The water column reaches depths. 750-1000 m is covered by unidirectional water transport in depth, with the exception of the Levantine intermediate countercurrent, which transports Levantine waters from the island. Malta to the Strait of Gibraltar along Africa.

The speed of steady currents in the open part of the sea is 0.5-1.0 km/h, in some straits - 2-4 km/h. The average surface water temperature in February decreases from north to south from 8-12 to 17 °C in the east. and center. parts and from 11 to 15 °C on 3. In August average temperature water varies from 19 to 25°C. - at extreme east it rises to 27-30 °C. Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values ​​increase from 3. to V. from 36 to - 39.5. The density of water on the surface varies from 1.023-1.027 g/cm³ in summer to 1.027-1.029 g/cm³ in winter. During the period of winter cooling, intense convective mixing develops in regions with increased density, which leads to the formation of highly saline and warm intermediate waters in the East. basin and deep waters in the north of the western basin, in the Adriatic and Aegean seas. In terms of bottom temperature and salinity, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the warmest and saltiest seas in the world. (12.6-13.4 °C and 38.4-38.7, respectively). Relates. Water transparency is up to 50-60 m, color is intense blue.

The tides are mostly semidiurnal, their magnitude is less than 1 m, but in some areas. At points, in combination with wind surges, level fluctuations can reach 4 m (Gentoa Bay, off the northern coast of Corsica, etc.). Strong tidal currents are observed in narrow straits (Messinsky Strait). Max. waves are observed in winter (wave height reaches 6-8 m).

The climate of the Mediterranean Sea is determined by its position in the subtropical zone and is distinguished by great specificity, which distinguishes it as an independent Mediterranean type of climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In winter, a trough of low atmospheric pressure is established over the sea, which determines unstable weather with frequent storms and heavy rainfall; cold north winds lower the air temperature. Local winds are developing: the mistral in the area of ​​the Gulf of Lyon and the bora in the east of the Adriatic Sea. In summer most The Mediterranean Sea is covered by the crest of the Azores anticyclone, which determines the predominance of clear weather with little clouds and little precipitation. During the summer months there are dry fogs and dusty haze, blown out of Africa by the southerly sirocco wind. In the Eastern Basin, stable northerly winds - etesia - develop.

The average air temperature in January varies from 14-16°C southern shores up to 7-10°C in the north, in August - from 22-24°C in the north to 25-30°C in the southern regions of the sea. Evaporation from the surface of the Mediterranean Sea reaches 1250 mm per year (3130 km3). Relative air humidity varies from 50-65% in summer to 65-80% in winter. Cloudiness in summer is 0-3 points, in winter about 6 points. The average annual precipitation is 400 mm (about 1000 km3), it varies from 1100-1300 mm in the northwest to 50-100 mm in the southeast, the minimum in July - August, the maximum in December.

Characteristic are mirages, which are often observed in the Strait of Messina. (so-called Fata Morgana).

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/m³; 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 crayfish, one species of seal (the white-bellied seal); sea ​​turtle. There are 550 species of fish (mackerel, herring, anchovies, mullet, coryphenaceae, 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.

The coast of the Northern Sea has long been densely populated and is distinguished by a high level of economic development (especially the countries located along its northern coast).

Agriculture of Mediterranean countries: stands out for the production of citrus fruits (about 1/3 of the world harvest), cotton, and oilseeds. Slovakia occupies a special position in the system of international trade and economic relations. Located at the junction of three parts of the world (Europe, Asia, and Africa), the sea route is an important transport route through which sea connections between Europe and Asia, North Africa, as well as Australia and Oceania pass. Important trade routes pass along the Northern Sea, connecting Russia and Ukraine with Western countries, and large cabotage lines between the Black Sea and a number of other ports of Russia and Ukraine.

Transport significance of the sea area for Western Europe is continuously increasing due to the increasing dependence of these countries on imports of raw materials. The role of natural gas is especially great in oil transportation. The Siberian Sea is an important “oil” route between Western Europe and the Middle East. The share of southern ports (the main ones are Marseille, Trieste, Genoa) in the supply of Western Europe with oil is constantly growing (about 40% in 1972). The ports of the Siberian Sea are connected by pipelines both with the countries of Western Europe, including Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland, and with the oil fields of the Middle East and North Africa. Transportation is also great various types raw materials, metal ores and bauxites, agricultural products through the Suez Canal, through which Western Europe links with Asia and Australia. Largest ports- Marseille with outports in France, Genoa, Augusta, Trieste in Italy, Sidra, Marsa Brega in Libya.

Numerous industrial enterprises have been created on the coast of the North Sea and on the islands. The chemical and metallurgical industries developed using raw materials delivered by sea. From 1960 to 1975, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, the mouth of the Rhone in France, and others became major hubs of the chemical industry. Oil and gas production began on the sea shelf (the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, the coast of Greece, etc.).

Fishing in the North Sea is of secondary importance in comparison with other basins of the Atlantic Ocean. 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.

The Mediterranean Sea is a unique basin that separates three continents. The Mediterranean countries include countries of the European Union, Asia and Africa. Tourists always associate the Mediterranean with a mild climate, warm water, delicious food and have a good rest. The area of ​​this world's largest sea is more than 3 million square meters. km, and it includes the Black Sea, the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Sea of ​​Azov. Let's consider which countries wash the waters of the Mediterranean and where it is better to relax according to your interests.

It washes 21 states. All these countries are located on the gentle coasts of the largest sea in the world, and the coastal zone of these countries is distinguished by comfortable beaches and warm, gentle waters. Let's look at where the Mediterranean Sea is located on the world map with the countries around it. On coastline The Mediterranean Sea contains resorts in the following countries:

1. Morocco - Tangier and Saidia.
2. Spain – , Almeria, Barcelona, ​​Cartagena, Ibiza, .
3. Algeria - Bejaia, Oran, Annaba.
4. France – Cote d'Azur, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Corsica.
5. Tunisia – Kelibia, Monastir, Bizerte.
6. Italy – Alghero, Sardinia, Syracuse.
7. Libya - Tripoli, Kufra, Misrata, Ubari, Tobruk.
8. Monaco - The entire state is one whole resort.
9. Egypt - Alexandria, Dellis, El Alamen, Baltim.
10. Malta - Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, Bugiba.
11. Israel - Nahariya, Haifa, Ashdod, Acre, Herzliya.
12. Slovenia – Portoroz, Isoloa.
13. Lebanon - Juni, Tyre.
14. Croatia – Dalmatia, Istria.
15. Syria - Latakia, Badrouseigh, Al-Samra.
16. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Neum.
17. Turkey - Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Belek.
18. Montenegro – Budva, Milocer, Petrovac.
19. Cyprus – Larnaca, Limassol, Protaras, Tuscany.
20. Albania – Vlora, Himara, Saranda.
21. Greece - Crete, Kythira, Methoni, Rhodes.

Also, such countries on the Mediterranean Sea as the Palestinian State and the Northern Region of Cyprus, as well as Dhakelia, Gibraltar and Akrotiri have access to sunny beaches. Undoubtedly, the most popular among tourists from this list of countries are Greece, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy and France. This is where lovers flock beach holiday from all over the planet, because here they are equipped best beaches and resort areas.

The depth of the Mediterranean Sea is quite varied and depends on the region. Conventionally, the Mediterranean can be divided into three main basins - western, central and eastern. What depth is in each of the basins can be seen on the depth map, because the bottom topography of such a huge reservoir differs in structure in each region. The maximum depth is observed in southern Greece in the deep-sea trench and is 5120 m. However, the average depth of the Mediterranean Sea does not exceed 1540 m.

The length and width of the Mediterranean Sea is not indicated accurately; the fact is that the basin is constantly changing its boundaries and it is almost impossible to calculate exact values. The length of the Mediterranean Sea from the northernmost to the southernmost section is approximately 3200 km, and from the western to the easternmost point 1200 km. total area is 2,500 sq. km. The water temperature in the winter months is 12C°, and in high summer season 25C°.

An interesting fact: scientists believe that the Mediterranean basin is nothing more than the remains of the ancient prehistoric Tethys oceanic basin, which covered the main part of the planet with water. In addition to the Mediterranean, these remnants also include the Black Sea, the Aral and the Caspian. Today from Atlantic Ocean The Mediterranean is connected by a strait called the Strait of Gibraltar, this is known to everyone, but not many know that this strait passes between two rocks that were on Earth in the times of ancient heroes and were then called the Pillars of Hercules.

To understand what washes the Mediterranean Sea, you should look at geographical images of the planet. On satellite images and paper maps you can see that the four largest peninsulas crash into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, these are the Apennine, Balkan, Iberian peninsulas and Asia Minor. Also in the Mediterranean waters there is a cluster of the largest islands, which are also loved by tourists, in the first place are Sicily, Ibiza, Crete, Malta and Rhodes.

This sea is called Mediterranean because it is surrounded on all sides by lands or continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. It has a huge basin and is connected to the Atlantic by the relatively small Strait of Gibraltar.

Scientists believe that more than 5 million years ago, there was rain on Earth for two years in a row, a catastrophic flood occurred, as a result of which this wonderful sea was formed.

Cards

A map of the Mediterranean Sea shows that it is divided into several more seas, and is also connected to the Black, Red and Marmara seas through straits.

Climate

In winter, storms and prolonged rains occur very often on the Mediterranean Sea. Cold winds blow from the north, air and water temperatures drop noticeably. In summer there is a warm and fairly dry maritime climate.

The high season at sea begins in May, and the apogee occurs in mid-summer, when the sea warms up to +27C - +30C, like fresh milk, and tens of millions of tourists come from all over the world.

Countries and islands

Türkiye has been loved by Russians for many years great resorts, quality service, Russian-speaking staff and inexpensive prices. People go to Italy to eat pizza and see the sights. Ancient Rome, Naples, Venice.

Mediterranean Sea surrounded on all sides by earth. One glance at the map is enough to agree with this judgment. This was also known ancient Greek scientist.

Features of geographical location and climate

Mediterranean Sea it's not named in vain, from all sides it touches with continents.

This has not yet been found anywhere in the world. large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean by only a tiny, for this scale, bridge - Strait of Gibraltar.

The sea in its own way geographical location is between: Asia, , Africa.

Total area - 2,500 square kilometers. The maximum depth is 5,121 meters.

It is connected by channels and straits with, Red And Seas of Marmara.

Concerning bottom relief, then everything is typical for the sea peculiarities:

1. continental slope cut by canyons;
2. shelf narrow.

Part Mediterranean Sea includes inland seas:

• Aegean;
• Alboran;
• Adriatic;
• Balearic;
• Ionian;
• Ligurian;
• Tyrrhenian.

in winter the weather is very changeable, regularly there are storms, and pass heavy rainfall. The temperature drops significantly due to the influence northern winds.

In summer observed here dry fog and a small amount precipitation.

Tourists come en masse to these places closer to mid-summer. By July the reservoir warms up to +27 degrees.

Countries and islands

To the Mediterranean include vast territories of countries and islands. We give examples of some of them below.

Countries

• . There are resorts here that are very popular Russian tourists. Most of the service staff are talking in Russian, which simplifies holidays in a foreign country for our tourists. There are a lot of excellent ones here beaches, inexpensive hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens. The reservoir washes the following major Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya And Izmir.
• Italy. It is located in the western Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza And spaghetti and also enjoy warm sun. Resort towns are considered Rome, Sicily And Milan.
• Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona And Majorca- these are exactly the ones settlements, where travelers come who want to have fun and have a good time. Especially it concerns youth, loving noisy parties.
• Croatia. A country attractive for tourists, first of all, quickly gaining momentum yachting. For this purpose the state allocates multi-million dollar investment.
• Montenegro. The beach is especially worth a look Ada Boyana. Here the purest sand, which can only be found throughout Adriatic. In addition, tourism is actively developing here among nudists.
• Albania. Chic kitchen, beautiful landscapes– this is how local resorts are characterized.

In ancient times it was believed that the Mediterranean Sea was located in the center of the world. The Roman aborigines called it Inland Sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.

• . Intersect here European And Islamic traditions and cultures. This fact attracts tourists. According to statistics, people also come here to see cultural attractions. Particularly popular Casablanca.
• Tunisia. Ancients museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments architecture, memorable markets– at local resorts you can’t find any miracles.

Islands

Kara is clickable, click on it to enlarge.

There is also a bunch of large and small Mediterranean islands, interesting for travelers. Among them stand out:

• Djerba. Located in the north Africa. Translated from ancient Arabic as "wheat town". The island is mentioned in the famous "Odyssey" Homer. Pink flamingos, ancient synagogue, fireballs, local delicious rice– something like this simply cannot be missed if you find yourself in Djerba.
• Sardinia. Located next to Dirk And Sicily. Archaeologists constantly find various tombs And ziggurats. These are the main attractions of the island.
• Vulcano. Tourists come here to see the numerous volcanic craters.

Scientists have found out that due to the catastrophic floods, which occurred 5.3 million years ago, is precisely filling occurred Mediterranean Sea. In two years such a large water basin was formed! useful salts and No dangerous poisonous plants And animals.

Can be inspected attractions absolutely different countries world and get to know them culture. After all, the Mediterranean Sea washes the shores of a good half continents of the world.

In Mediterranean resorts there is a very developed resort and medical infrastructure. Therefore, people suffering diseases of various origins, can easily find a place for relaxation and recovery.

There are no cons. Unless, of course, you consider the scorching summer sun a disadvantage.