The sea of the Indian Ocean: interesting facts

The Indian Ocean occupies the third place in the world in its size, located on the coast of Africa, Australia, Eurasia and Antarctica.

Seas, straits and bays occupy 15% of the Indian Ocean and amount to 11.68 million km ² . The main ones are: the Arabian Sea (Oman, Aden, Persian Gulf), the Red, Andaman, Lakadiv, Timor and Arafur Seas; Great Australian and Bengal Gulfs.

The major seas of the Indian Ocean are the Arabian and the Red. By their size, they are ahead of their "neighbors" in the Indian Ocean, being among them the largest. The most interesting facts about these seas are discussed below.

Arabian Sea

Between the Arabian Peninsula and Hindustan is the largest sea of the Indian Ocean - Arabian. Its area is the largest and amounts to 4,832,000 km², the volume of liquid is 14,514 thousand km³, the deepest point is 5,803 m.

The salt content in the Arabian Sea is 35-36 g / l. The maximum water temperature is observed in May and is 29 degrees, in winter this figure varies between 22-27 degrees, and in the summer - 23-28 degrees.

The brightest "paradise" of the Arabian Sea is the Maldives - sand-covered coral reefs. The lack of sources of fresh water is an interesting fact of these islands. Most local residents use desalinated water or collect rainwater.

Red sea

The total area is 450 thousand km², the water volume in the sea is 251 thousand km³, the deepest depression is 2211 m. This sea of the Indian Ocean is called the most saline in the world. Yes, it's Red, not Dead (which does not have drains, which means it is a lake).

The Gulf of Aden replenishes the waters of this sea, since no river flows into it. As a result, 41 g (41%) of salt is contained in 1 liter of water of this sea. For comparison: the salt content in the Mediterranean Sea is 25 g / l. In addition, the Red Sea ranks second in the content of useful salts, an abundance of corals contributes to this fact.

A positive result of the lack of rivers is the purity and transparency of the Red Sea water, so every holiday-maker can easily appreciate the natural wealth of its flora and fauna.

Andaman and Lakadiv Sea

Andaman Sea

Its area is 605 thousand km², the maximum depth is 4507 m, it ishes the coasts of Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia, as well as the Andomansky (the most mysterious islands, little is known about them) and the Nicobar Islands, the Indochina and Mallaka peninsulas.

Of particular interest is the active volcano Barren, located on an island with a similar name. According to the researchers, it was he who triggered the underwater earthquake in 2004 near Sumatra.

The most favorable climate is observed from October to May with a water temperature of the Andaman Sea of 30 degrees.

Lakadiv Sea

Located near the shores of Sri Lanka and India, it also bathes the Lakkadian and Maldive Islands in the west, which separate it from the Arabian Sea. The Strait of the Eighth degree unites the sea with the Indian Ocean.

The area of the Lakadiv Sea is 786 thousand km², the maximum depth is 4131 m, the salinity is 34-35 g / l.

The water temperature does not depend too much on the season: in the summer - 26-28 degrees, in winter - up to 25 degrees.

Timor and Arafura Seas of the Indian Ocean

The Timor Sea

Its area is 432 thousand km², the maximum depth is 3310 m, it is washed by the shores of Australia, Indonesia and East Timor.

This sea of the Indian Ocean is not considered deep, basically its bottom is level and does not exceed a depth of 200 m, except for the existing depressions.

Large reserves of oil and gas are of special interest. True, the right to extract resources between Australia and Timor today is controversial.

Arafura Sea

This is a young sea, which arose as a result of the rising water level of the World Ocean. Its area is 1017 thousand km², and the water volume is 189 thousand km³, the deepest depression is 3,680 m, the salinity is 32-35 g / l, the water temperature is on average 25-28 degrees.

Arafura - the sea of the Indian Ocean, "settled" at its outskirts. In addition, the Torres Strait connects this sea with the Pacific Ocean. Due to their close location and similar climate with the Timor Sea, they are called "twin seas".

Typhoons are a frequent occurrence of the Arafura Sea.

The seas of the Indian Ocean are characterized by a rich and diverse fauna, and are also excellent resort areas.