The Black Sea is an inland sea lying between Europe and Asia, bordered by several countries including Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia. It connects to the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait and to the Mediterranean Sea via the Bosporus, the Marmara Sea, and the Dardanelles.
Geography
- The sea covers an area of about 436,400 square miles (1,130,000 square kilometers).
- Its maximum depth is approximately 2,212 meters (7,257 feet).
- The Black Sea's water is anoxic (without oxygen) below a depth of about 200 meters due to high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which limits marine life to the upper layers.
History
Historically, the Black Sea has been a focal point for various civilizations:
Environmental Concerns
The Black Sea faces several environmental challenges:
- Pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, particularly from countries along its shores.
- Overfishing and habitat destruction.
- Eutrophication, leading to algal blooms which can deplete oxygen levels further.
Cultural Significance
The Black Sea holds significant cultural importance:
Sources
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