Sea of Azov: coast, characteristics, features

In the eastern part of Europe in the temperate continental belt (steppe zone and forest-steppe) between the southern Ukraine, the western territory of Russia and the northern part of the Crimean peninsula is the Sea of Azov. The coast, or rather its parts, belong to all the countries described above. Because of this location, it is called the "closed" sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Its waters are slightly salty and very warm. This factor is decisive for tourists. It is here that many tourists come, especially with children, as the sea is quite calm and near the coastline is shallow. An interesting fact is that on the coast there are such beaches where you need to walk a few meters until you reach a depth of 0.5 m.

Short description

The Sea of Azov is considered the smallest water body in comparison with all the others in the Russian Federation. The coast has a length of only 1,472 kilometers. As for the depth, the average is 8 m, but there are also such areas, the bottom level is lowered to 14 m.

The Azov Sea belongs to the basin of the Atlantic Ocean. However, his path is interesting enough. First, its waters pass through the Black Sea, the Bosporus Strait and the Mediterranean. And only after that they get to the Atlantic Ocean.

Features of the Sea of Azov

Unsharp, shallow, warm - these words perfectly characterize the Sea of Azov. The coast is covered with shell and small sand. Sea water contains a huge number of chemical elements, so it can be used for medicinal purposes. As the waves of the sea wash the sand of the shore, it also has unique properties. Probably, many noticed that it's enough just to lie down near the water for several hours, and unpleasant sensations in the back, the muscles in themselves pass. The conclusion suggests itself: here everything acts on the human body as a medicinal and especially useful tool.

Territorial separation

Ukraine and Russia are territorially divided into several parts of the Azov Sea. The coast of each state and the surrounding area are a closed zone, where ships of other countries can not enter.

During the entire existence of the independent states of Russia and Ukraine, they were on friendly terms. That is why clear boundaries of ownership of the sea's expanses of the sea were not established. However, since 2014 everything has changed radically. Now these states are at enmity among themselves, therefore they try to consolidate their positions to the maximum.

Flora and fauna

The precipitous limestone landslides, stone slopes - at first glance the Azov Sea looks like. The coast of Ukraine, however, as well as from the Russian Federation, is not distinguished by dense thickets of plants. Here you can find solitary bushes of elder, thorn, fern, aronia. Closer to water, vegetation is represented only by species resistant to salt. This is explained quite simply: waves, striking stones, pour them with salt water. These are herbaceous plants, like the water-grass and Kermek. And already in the water you can see algae of red and green colors, water flowers.

The animal world is also not very rich: geese, ducks, steppe waders, chibis, red goosefish, swan-swallows, curlew, gulls and blackheads. On the beach occasionally you can see turtles, frogs and even crayfish.

The underwater world of the Azov Sea contains about 80 species of fish. The most common are stellate sturgeon, sargan, beluga, herring, large flounder, Rybinets, mullet, tulka, anchovy and sea mole.

Climate

The average annual amount of precipitation in millimeters is from 250 to 500. As in southern Ukraine and Crimea the climate is dry, it negatively affects the coast of the Azov Sea. Average temperature in July from +23 Up to +30 ⁰ С; Temperature in winter (in January) from -2 Up to +7 ⁰ С.

The coast of Azov is characterized by a cold but short winter and a warm summer. The air temperature is evenly distributed. For spring and autumn is characterized by pleasant weather, in these months the thermometers show from +9 Up to +13 ⁰ С, and in the air there is a high humidity. The transition from summer to winter is not sharp.

Infrastructure

One of the most popular places for recreation is the Sea of Azov. The coast of Russia and Ukraine is occupied by numerous boarding houses. Their list is truly huge. These are towns for tourists, recreation centers, hotels, cottages, etc. Also there are cafes and restaurants, so that vacationers can eat or just have fun. If it is a question of rest with children, the most important thing is open modern swimming pools with slides of different sizes, dolphinariums, parks with attractions, circuses.

Ecology

The main problem of the Azov coast is that almost the whole territory is polluted with waste from various enterprises. A large number of steamships, boats and other equipment led to the pollution of the sea itself. The presence on the coastline of numerous recreation centers leads to the fact that it gradually turns into a landfill, especially in areas of public beaches. Closed areas look much better. However, for the rest they will have to pay a considerable amount of money.

Rest on the Azov Sea

For those who have never been in these places, below is a map of the coast of the Azov Sea, where all the cities and towns that offer cultural rest are visible. And it, it is worth noting, is well developed here.

Beautiful scenery and warm water attract many tourists. The range of services is diverse: walking tours, therapeutic mud baths, etc. And a large number of pools with giant slides attract all the young people (and not only): from five-year-old children to fifty-year-olds. All, from small to large, at least once in their lives try to visit this "attraction" and get an unforgettable experience.