Mediterranean sea on the map. Mediterranean Sea

In the Mediterranean Sea, the following seas are distinguished: Alboran, Balearic, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, Cretan, Aegean. In the pool Mediterranean Sea include the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara, the Black Sea, the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov.

The modern Mediterranean Sea is a relic of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which was much wider and extended far to the east. The relics of the Tethys Ocean are also the Aral, Caspian, Black and Marmara seas, confined to its deepest depressions. Probably, Tethys was once completely surrounded by land, and between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Strait of Gibraltar, there was an isthmus. 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 into the land between Europe, Africa and Asia.

The seas of the Mediterranean basin are washed by 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, by the Dardanelles Strait, it connects with the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara and further by the Bosphorus Strait - with the Black Sea, in the southeast by the Suez Canal - with the Red Sea.

The area is 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, at the low ones - lagoon-estuary and delta; the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is characterized by shores of the Dalmatian type. The most significant bays are Valencian, Lyons, Genoese, Taranto, Sidra (B. Sirte), Gabes (M. Sirte).

The largest islands are the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus.

The large rivers Ebro, Rhone, Tiber, Po, Nile and others flow into the Mediterranean Sea; their total annual flow is approx. 430 km³.

The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea splits into several basins with relatively steep continental slopes, 2000-4000 m deep; along the shores of the basin, they are bordered by a narrow strip of shelf, extending 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, uniting the depressions of the Alboran, Balearic and Ligurian Seas, as well as the Tyrrhenian Sea depression - over 3600 m; Central - over 5100 m (Central basin and depressions of the Adriatic and Ionian seas) and Eastern - Levantinsky, about 4380 m (depressions of the Levant, 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 saline evaporite stratum (over 1.5-2 km thick), which forms 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 confined to them; some of them form large seamounts (Lipar Islands, Vavilov volcano, etc.). Volcanoes on the outskirts of the basin (in the Tuscan archipelago, on the Pontine Islands, Vesuvius, as well as the Lipari Islands) erupt acid and alkaline lavas, volcanoes into the center, parts of the Mediterranean Sea - deeper, basic lavas (basalts).

Part of the Central and Eastern (Levantinsky) basins are filled with sedimentary strata, including powerful products of river flows, especially the Nile. At the bottom of these basins, according to geophysical studies, the Gellen deep-water trench and the Central Mediterranean swell are distinguished - a large arch up to 500-800 m high.Along the foot of the continental slope of Cyrenaica, the Libyan trench is traced, very clearly expressed in the relief and weakly filled with sediments. The basins of the Mediterranean Sea are very different in time. A significant part of the Eastern (Levantine) basin was laid down 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 - the middle of the Miocene, Pliocene. At the end of the Miocene (Messianic age), shallow depressions already existed in most of the Mediterranean. The depth of the Algerian-Provencal Basin during the deposition of salts in the Messinian Age was about 1-1.5 km. Salts accumulated as a result of strong evaporation and concentration of brine due to the influx of seawater into an enclosed body of water through the strait that existed south of Gibraltar.

The present-day depths of the Tyrrhenian Basin were formed as a result of the subsidence of the bottom during the Pliocene and the Anthropogenic period (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 extension (spreading) of the continental crust, or with the processes of compaction of the earth's crust and its subsidence. In dep. processes of geosynclinal development continue in the areas of the basins. The bottom of the Mediterranean Sea is promising in many parts for prospecting for oil and gas, especially in the area of \u200b\u200bsalt domes. In the shelf zones, oil and gas deposits are confined to the Mesozoic and Paleogene deposits.

The hydrological regime of the Mediterranean Sea is formed under the influence of high evaporation and general climatic conditions. conditions. The predominance of fresh water consumption over the inflow leads to a decrease in the level, which is the reason for the constant inflow of surface less salty water from the 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 straits' sills. Main water exchange takes place through the Strait of Gibraltar. (the upper current brings 42.32 thousand km³ per year of Atlantic water, and the lower one carries 40, 80 thousand km³ of Mediterranean water); through the Dardanelles, 350 and 180 km³ of water flows in and out respectively per year.

The circulation of waters in S. of m has hl. arr. wind nature; it is represented by the main, almost zonal Canary current carrying waters preim. atlantic. origin along Africa, from the Strait of Gibraltar. to the coast of Lebanon, n cyclonic system. gyres in isolated seas and basins to the left of this current. The water column to depth. 750-1000 m is covered by a unidirectional depth transfer of waters, with the exception of the Levantinsky intermediate countercurrent, which carries the Levantinsky waters from about. Malta to the Strait of Gibraltar along Africa.

The velocities of steady currents in the open sea are 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 by 3. In August, the average water temperature varies from 19 to 25 ° C. - in the extreme east, it rises to 27-30 ° C. Large evaporation leads to a strong increase in salinity. Its values \u200b\u200bincrease 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 in areas with high density, intense convective mixing develops, a cut leads to the formation of highly saline and warm intermediate waters in Vost. 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 approx. (12.6-13.4 ° C and 38.4-38.7, respectively). Relates. water transparency up to 50-60 m, color - intense blue.

Tides are mostly semidiurnal, less than 1 m, but points in combination with wind surges, level fluctuations can reach 4 m (Genoese Bay, off the north coast of Corsica Island, etc.). Strong tidal currents are observed in narrow straits (Messina Strait). Max. excitement is noted in winter (wave height reaches 6-8 m).

The climate of the Mediterranean Sea is determined by its position in the subtropical zone and has great specificity, which makes it an independent Mediterranean type of climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot dry summers. In winter, a depression of low atmospheric pressure is established over the sea, which determines unstable weather with frequent storms and heavy rainfall; cold northerly winds lower the air temperature. Local winds develop: the mistral in the Gulf of Lyon and the pine forest in the east of the Adriatic Sea. In summer, most of the Mediterranean Sea is covered by the ridge of the Azores anticyclone, which determines the predominance of clear weather with little cloudiness and low precipitation. The summer months are dry fogs and dusty haze blown out of Africa by the sirocco south wind. In the Eastern basin, stable northern winds - etesias - develop.

The average air temperature in January varies from 14-16 ° С at southern shores up to 7-10 ° С in the north, in August - from 22-24 ° С in the north to 25-30 ° С 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 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, minimum - in July - August, maximum - in December.

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

Vegetation and animal world The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a relatively weak quantitative development of phyto- and zooplankton, which entails attributed. the small number of larger animals feeding on them, including fish. The amount of phytoplankton in the 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 (peridineas and diatoms predominate).

The fauna of the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by great species diversity, however, the number of representatives of the dep. species is small. There are crayfish, one type of seal (white-bellied seal); sea \u200b\u200bturtle. There are 550 fish species (mackerel, herring, anchovy, mullet, corifenaceae, tuna, bonito, horse mackerel, etc.). About 70 species of endemic fish, including stingrays, anchovy, gobies, pestilence. dogs, wrasse and needlefish. Of the edible molluscs, the most important are oysters, Mediterranean-Black Sea mussels, and sea dates. Among invertebrates, octopuses, squid, sepia, crabs, lobster are widespread; numerous types of jellyfish, siphonophores; some areas, especially the Aegean Sea, are home to sponges and red coral.

The coast of S. m. 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 the Mediterranean countries: stands out for the production of citrus fruits (about 1/3 of the world harvest), cotton, oilseeds. In the system of international trade and economic relations, S. m. Occupies a special position. Situated at the junction of three parts of the world (Europe, Asia, and Africa), the sea is an important transport route along which maritime connections between Europe and Asia, North Africa, and also Australia and Oceania pass. Important trade routes linking Russia and Ukraine with Western countries and large cabotage lines between the Black Sea and a number of other ports of Russia and Ukraine pass along the Northern Sea.

The transport significance of the seawater area of \u200b\u200bthe sea for Western Europe is continuously growing in connection with the growing dependence of these countries on imports of raw materials. The role of oil and gas is especially great in oil transportation. The oil field is an important oil route between Western Europe and the Middle East. The share of southern ports (the main of which are Marseille, Trieste, Genoa) in the supply of oil to Western Europe is constantly growing (about 40% in 1972). The ports of the North 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 of various types of raw materials, metal ores and bauxite, agricultural products is also great. products through the Suez Canal, through which Western Europe's links with Asia and Australia pass. The largest ports are Marseille with outports in France, Genoa, Augusta, Trieste in Italy, Sidra, Marsa Brega in Libya.

Numerous industrial enterprises have been set up on the coast of S. m. And on the islands. The chemical and metallurgical industries developed on raw materials delivered by sea. The islands of Sardinia and Sicily in Italy, the mouth of the Rhone in France, and others became major centers of the chemical industry in 1960–75. Oil and gas production began on the North Sea shelf (the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, the coast of Greece, and others).

Fishing in the North Sea is of secondary importance in comparison with other basins of the Atlantic around. The industrialization of the coast, the growth of cities, the development of recreational areas lead to intensive 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.

Tourism lovers are much more likely to ask than schoolchildren. This sea plays an important role in the life of not only the modern inhabitants of its coast, it influenced the emergence of many civilizations.

"Sea in the middle of the Earth"

The Mediterranean Sea began to be used long before new continents were discovered. It seemed to people that this significant body of water was located in the very center of the planet. Thus, the sea got its name.

"The sea in the middle of the Earth" has become the most important trade route. It helped ferry from Eurasia to Africa. Not only trade relations were established between peoples. Ethnic groups living on the coast have sought to establish diplomatic contacts with other countries. Alliances were made with someone, and hostilities were fought with someone. But even wars to some extent had a positive effect on the development of mankind. The captured peoples adopted the experience and culture of the invaders. As a result of cultural exchange, new civilizations were born.

Today, the Mediterranean Sea continues to foster contacts between different cultures. The main source of income for the ancient inhabitants of the coast was trade with foreigners. Nowadays, tourism has also been added to trade. Having learned which countries are washed by the Mediterranean Sea, tourists plan their vacation.

Where to travel?

A huge number of countries are located on the sea coast. It will take more than one vacation to get to know everyone:

• Malta. Many people mistakenly believe that the state consists of only one island. In fact, in addition to the main part of Malta, the state includes the island of Gozo (also called Gozo) and several sparsely inhabited islands. The small state has a population of only about 500,000 thousand people. Due to its climate in 2011 Malta was recognized as one of the best countries to live in the world.
• Italy. Here, the tourist awaits rest for body and soul. In Italy, you can lie on the beach and visit a huge number of museums. The rich culture of this country will not leave anyone indifferent. Italy is famous for its gastronomic delights. The national cuisine is not only tasty, but also healthy. Beach holidays in this country are suitable for lovers of nudism. In 2006, being on the beach without clothes was legalized. Sunbathing in this way is not possible in every country on the Mediterranean. In some states, travelers and the local population face a heavy fine or arrest for such behavior. More than half a million people visit Italian nudist beaches every year.
• Spain. This country seems to be a place for endless holidays. Some celebrations terrify foreign tourists. Tomatina is a holiday during which people throw tomatoes at each other. Not every traveler will appreciate this way to spend their free time. You can give preference to less exotic entertainment. Some tourists, returning from Spain, decide to take a flamenco or guitar course.
• France. The southeast of this country is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. French culture is very diverse. The specificity of the region will be determined by its location. Being in the south of the country, travelers often feel that they are in some Spanish or Italian town. And this feeling is not far from the truth. Most of the Mediterranean cities are really similar to each other. Some localities in the south of France were founded by representatives of other ethnic groups. Marseille, for example, was founded by the Greeks. It was originally called Massilia.
• Turkey. This country is most popular with Russian tourists. Europeans are much less common here. For thousands of Russians, Antalya, Mersin, Istanbul and some other Turkish cities are a permanent place summer vacation during several years. Turkey attracts with its cozy beaches, architectural landmarks and local cuisine. Prices in this country are much lower than in Europe. The Turkish lira is cheaper than the dollar or the euro. It is noteworthy that while in Turkey, you can relax not only in the Mediterranean, but also in the Black Sea.

Part mediterranean countries includes European, Asian and African states. Tourists are attracted to them by picturesque nature, clean sea waters, a large number of architectural and historical monuments.

On the coast you can find pebbly and sandy beaches. On a wide and long coastline There are many places for budget holidays and resorts that amaze with their luxury in the Mediterranean Sea.

Mediterranean Sea on the world map with countries around it

1. Bizerte;
2. Kelibia;
3. Monastir;
4. Sfax.

Recently Tunisia is serious competition Turkey and Egypt. The gap in the level of service with European and Asian resorts is constantly decreasing. Tourists come to Tunisia not only for a beach holiday, but also for treatment. Traditional medicine centers can be found in most Tunisian hotels. They are no less popular than the Mediterranean coast.

Interest directions

Most quiet beaches The Mediterranean Sea is to be found on its northeastern coast - in Croatia. In these places, beach tourism is under development, so recreation is available for a large number of tourists.

Sandy and pebbly beaches are surrounded by picturesque mountains covered with dense vegetation.

• The beautiful beaches of Malta are worth visiting not only for those who like a comfortable stay on the refined beaches, but also for those who wish to get practice of English language ... It is one of the official languages \u200b\u200bof the island nation.
• Per noise and fun, as well as for a comfortable stay at an affordable price, it is worth going to Greece, Egypt and Turkey.
• Exotic vacation can be found on the coast of North Africa. The best resorts in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea are found in Tunisia and Morocco. In these regions you will feel not only exotic, but also comfort.
• Vacationers speaking in Russian, will surround you on the beaches of Israel. Excellent service provided by local hotels will not overshadow the cost of a vacation in the Promised Land. The Red and Marmara seas compete with the Mediterranean beaches.

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

• Countries and islands
• Country
• Islands
• Eastern Mediterranean

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Features of the geographical location and climate

Mediterranean Sea named for a reason, from all sides it touches with continents.

Nowhere else in the world has this been found large indoor pool, which is connected to the ocean only by a tiny, for such a scale, a jumper - Strait of Gibraltar.

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

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

It connects channels and straits with Black, Red and Marmara seas.

Concerning bottom reliefthen he has everything typical for the sea features:

continental slope indented by canyons;

shelf narrow.

Part The middle sea includes and inland seas:

• Aegean;
• Alboran;
• Adriatic;

If you are going to relax on the Adriatic Sea, find out detailed information about his resorts from this article

• Balearic;
• Ionian;
• Ligurian;
• Tyrrhenian.

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

Summer observed here dry fog and a small amount precipitation.

Tourists come in droves to these places closer to the middle of summer. By July the reservoir warms up to +27 degrees.

Countries and islands

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

Country

• Turkey... There are resorts here that are very fond of russian tourists... Most of the attendants speak in Russian, which makes it easier for our tourists to rest in a foreign country. There are many excellent beaches, inexpensive hotels and one of the best in the world kitchens... The reservoir washes the following large Turkish cities - Mersin, Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir.
• Italy... It is located in the west of the Mediterranean. People come here to eat delicious pizza and spaghettiand also enjoy warm sun... Resort cities are Rome, Sicily and Milan.

Italy is a great holiday destination not only in summer but also in winter. Read about the winter resorts of this country here

• Spain. Ibiza, Barcelona and Majorca - these are exactly those settlements, which are visited by travelers who want to have fun and good time. Especially it concerns youthloving noisy parties.
• Croatia... A country attractive for tourists primarily rapidly gaining momentum yachting... For this, the state allocates multimillion investment.
• Montenegro... Especially the beach is worth a look Ada Boyana... Here 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 is located in the center of the world... Roman aborigines called him Inland sea, since all its shores were conquered by them.

• Morocco... Cross here european and islamic traditions and culture. This fact attracts tourists. According to statistics, people also come here to look at cultural attractions... Especially popular Casablanca.
• Tunisia... The ancients museums, mysterious artifacts, monuments memorable architecture markets - at the local resorts which are not found miracles.

Islands

In the Mediterranean also a bunch of big and small islandsinteresting for travelers. Among them stand apart:

• Djerba... Located in the north African... From the ancient Arabic language it is translated as "Wheat city"... The island is mentioned in the famous "Odyssey" Homer. Pink flamingos, ancient synagogue, fireballs, local delicious rice- something like that simply cannot be missed if you find yourself on 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 many volcanic craters.

Scientists have found outthat because of the catastrophic floods, which happened 5.3 million years ago, just filling occurred Mediterranean Sea. In two years formed such a large water basin!

Eastern Mediterranean

Most often to Eastern Mediterranean include the shores of Greece, Italy and Turkey, this opinion is wrong... If we come to this question in terms of geography and look at the map, it turns out that the Eastern Mediterranean includes:

Syria;

Palestine;

Cyprus;

Have you decided to relax in Cyprus? Find out what others think of the island's hotels with this article

Lebanon;

Jordan.

Israel;

Pros and cons of relaxing in the Mediterranean

On the mediterranean sea perfect to relax in September... At this time already the heat subsides, while the water remains warm. An additional plus is that the reservoir contains a large amount useful salts and no dangerous poisonous plants and animals.

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

The resorts of the Mediterranean are very developed health resort infrastructure... Therefore, people suffering diseases of various originscan easily find a place for relaxation and recovery.

There are no cons... Unless, of course, the scorching summer sun is considered a disadvantage.

The Mediterranean Sea is a unique basin that separates three continents. The Mediterranean states include the countries of the European Union, Asia and Africa. Tourists associate the Mediterranean with a mild climate, warm water, delicious food and good rest... The area of \u200b\u200bthis largest sea in the world is more than 3 million square meters. km, and it includes the Black Sea, the Sea of \u200b\u200bMarmara and the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov. 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. Consider where the Mediterranean Sea is located on the world map with the countries around it. On the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea there are resorts in the following countries:

1. Morocco - Tangier and Saidia.
2. Spain -, Almeria, Barcelona, \u200b\u200bCartagena, Ibiza,.
3. Algeria - Bejaya, Oran, Annaba.
4. France - French Riviera, Nice, Saint Tropez, Corsica.
5. Tunisia - Kelibia, Monastir, Bizerte.
6. Italy - Alghero, Sardinia, Syracuse.
7. Libya - Tripoli, Kufra, Misrata, Ubari, Tobruk.
8. Monaco - The whole 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, Akko, Herzliya.
12. Slovenia - Portoroz, Izoloa.
13. Lebanon - Juni, Tire.
14. Croatia - Dalmatia, Istria.
15. Syria - Latakia, Badrouseikh, 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, countries on the Mediterranean Sea have access to sunny beaches such as the Palestinian State and the Northern Region of Cyprus, as well as Dakelia, Gibraltar and Akrotiri. Undoubtedly, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy and France are recognized as the most favorite among tourists from this list of states. This is where lovers strive beach holiday from all over the planet, because the best beaches and resort areas are equipped here.

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 in each of the basins can be seen on the depth map, because the bottom relief of such a huge reservoir is different in structure in each region. The maximum depth is observed in southern Greece in a 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 the 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 is 1200 km. The total area is 2,500 sq. Km. The water temperature in the winter months is 12C °, and in the high summer season is 25C °.

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

To understand what washes the Mediterranean Sea, one should look at the geographic images of the planet. On satellite footage and paper maps, you can see that the four largest peninsulas cut into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, these are the Apennine, Balkan, Iberian peninsulas and Asia Minor. Also in the waters of the Mediterranean, 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.