The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, often referred to as a sea due to its size and salinity, although it is technically a lake. Here are some key details about this unique body of water:
Geography
- Located in Eurasia, it is bordered by five countries: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan.
- It covers approximately 371,000 square miles (963,000 square kilometers), making it larger than many countries in Europe.
- The sea stretches about 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) from north to south and up to 270 miles (435 kilometers) at its widest point.
- Its depth varies greatly, with the northern part being shallow, while the southern basin reaches depths of up to 3,363 feet (1,025 meters).
History
- The Caspian Sea has been an important trade route since ancient times, with evidence of trade along its shores dating back to the Silk Road era.
- In the Middle Ages, the Volga River route was one of the principal routes for the Varangians (Vikings) to reach the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic World.
- During the Soviet Union era, the Caspian was largely closed off from the rest of the world, with its resources being exploited for domestic use.
Environmental Concerns
- The Caspian Sea faces significant environmental challenges including pollution from oil and gas industries, overfishing, and habitat loss.
- Water levels have fluctuated historically, affecting the surrounding ecosystems and human settlements.
- The introduction of invasive species like the Comb Jelly has had detrimental effects on the local fish populations.
Economic Importance
- Rich in oil and natural gas, the Caspian Sea has become a focal point for energy exploration and extraction, particularly since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
- Fishing, especially for sturgeon, which produces caviar, has been a traditional industry, though now heavily regulated due to overfishing.
- The sea supports a significant amount of maritime traffic, with ports like Baku in Azerbaijan being major hubs.
Legal Status
- The legal status of the Caspian Sea has been a matter of dispute, with countries bordering it unable to agree on whether it should be treated as a lake or a sea for legal purposes, which affects maritime boundaries and resource exploitation rights.
- In 2018, an agreement was signed by the five coastal states defining the Caspian Sea as a body of water with special legal status, neither fully a sea nor a lake, allowing for the division of its seabed for resource exploration.
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