Strait of Gibraltar

Strait of Gibraltar
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Name	Strait of Gibraltar
Caption	Satellite image of the strait, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Location	Between Iberia and Africa
Coordinates	35, 58, N, 5...
Type	Strait
Basin countries	Spain, United Kingdom (Gibraltar), Morocco
Max-width	14.3 km
Min-width	13 km
Max-depth	900 m
Islands	Isla de las Palomas, Perejil Island

Strait of Gibraltar. It is a narrow channel that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and separates the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa. The strait is a critical maritime passage, governed by the geopolitical interests of bordering nations like Spain, the United Kingdom, and Morocco. Its formation is a result of complex tectonic activity between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate.

Geography and Geology

The strait spans approximately 60 kilometers in length, with its narrowest point between Punta de Tarifa in Spain and Cires Point in Morocco. The seabed features the prominent Camarinal Sill, a submarine ridge that influences water exchange. Geologically, the area is part of the Betic Cordillera and the Rif mountain ranges, formed by the ongoing convergence of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate. Key landmarks include the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar and the Moroccan enclave of Ceuta. The strait's formation is often linked to the Zanclean flood, a theorized catastrophic refilling of the Mediterranean Sea around 5.33 million years ago.

History and Human Activity

The strait has been a crossroads of civilizations since antiquity, known to the Ancient Greeks as the Pillars of Hercules. It was controlled successively by the Carthaginians, Roman Empire, Vandals, and Byzantine Empire. In 711 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate under Tariq ibn Ziyad launched the Umayyad conquest of Hispania from here. The strategic naval Battle of Gibraltar occurred in 1607. During World War II, the Allies controlled this vital passage. Today, it sees intense maritime traffic, including ferries linking Algeciras and Tangier, and is a focal point for migration from Africa to Europe.

Hydrology and Oceanography

The strait is characterized by a two-layer water exchange system. Less saline Atlantic water flows eastward into the Mediterranean Sea as a surface current, while denser, saltier Mediterranean water flows westward into the Atlantic at depth. This exchange is part of the larger Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Monitoring is conducted by institutions like the Spanish Institute of Oceanography. The constricting geography accelerates currents, creating challenging conditions for navigation that have been studied since the expeditions of the HMS *Challenger*.

Ecology and Marine Life

The mixing of Atlantic and Mediterranean waters creates a highly productive marine ecosystem. It is a critical migration corridor for many species, including the endangered fin whale, sperm whale, and various dolphin species like the striped dolphin. The area is part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean. Notable bird migrations occur over the strait, monitored by groups like the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society. Key conservation challenges include pollution from heavy shipping traffic and the protection of habitats from projects like the proposed Strait of Gibraltar crossing.

Political and Strategic Importance

The strait is governed by the legal regime of transit passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Sovereignty is shared by Spain, which controls Ceuta, the United Kingdom which holds Gibraltar, and Morocco. It is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, vital for commerce between Europe and Asia. Military presence is significant, with the Royal Navy maintaining a base at Gibraltar and the United States Navy's Sixth Fleet operating in the region. The strait remains a strategic chokepoint, central to the security policies of NATO and discussions within the European Union.

Category:Straits of Africa Category:Straits of Europe Category:International straits Category:Geography of Spain Category:Geography of Morocco