Ionian Sea

Ionian Sea
~~ · GFDL · source
Name	Ionian Sea
Location	Mediterranean Sea, Europe
Type	Sea
Basin countries	Greece, Albania, Italy
Island	Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca

Ionian Sea is a part of the Mediterranean Sea, located between Greece, Albania, and Italy. It is connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Otranto Strait and to the Aegean Sea by the Corinth Canal. The sea is bounded by the Peloponnese region of Greece to the east, and the Apulian region of Italy to the west. The Ionian Islands, including Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Ithaca, are located within the sea.

Geography

The Ionian Sea is characterized by its deep waters, with a maximum depth of approximately 5,000 meters in the Calypso Deep, which is located near the Greek island of Pylos. The sea floor is also home to several seamounts, including the Kefalonia Seamount and the Zakynthos Seamount. The coastline of the Ionian Sea is marked by several bays and gulfs, including the Gulf of Patras and the Gulf of Corinth. The sea is also bounded by several peninsulas, including the Peloponnese Peninsula and the Salento Peninsula. The Apennine Mountains and the Pindus Mountains are located near the sea, and the Achelous River and the Alfeios River flow into it.

Hydrology

The hydrology of the Ionian Sea is influenced by the Thermohaline circulation of the Mediterranean Sea, which is driven by changes in temperature and salinity. The sea is also affected by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which is a global ocean circulation pattern. The Otranto Strait connects the Ionian Sea to the Adriatic Sea, and the Corinth Canal connects it to the Aegean Sea. The sea is home to several ocean currents, including the Ionian Current and the Levantine Current. The European Space Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have studied the hydrology of the Ionian Sea using satellite imagery and ocean models.

Climate

The climate of the Ionian Sea is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, with significant precipitation during the winter months. The sea is affected by the North Atlantic Oscillation, which is a global climate pattern. The Mediterranean climate is dominant in the region, with hot summers and mild winters. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has studied the impact of climate change on the Ionian Sea, and the European Union has implemented policies to mitigate its effects. The University of Athens and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens have conducted research on the climate of the Ionian Sea.

History

The Ionian Sea has a rich history, with several ancient civilizations having flourished in the region, including the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, and the Ancient Greeks. The sea was an important trade route, with the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, and the Romans having established colonies and trade routes in the region. The Battle of Actium was fought in the Ionian Sea in 31 BC, and the Battle of Lepanto was fought in 1571. The Ottoman Empire and the Venetian Republic also played significant roles in the history of the Ionian Sea. The University of Cambridge and the British Museum have conducted research on the history of the Ionian Sea.

Economy

The economy of the Ionian Sea is driven by several industries, including fishing, tourism, and shipping. The sea is home to several ports, including the Port of Patras and the Port of Igoumenitsa. The European Union has implemented policies to promote sustainable fishing practices in the Ionian Sea, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has provided guidance on sustainable fishing practices. The International Maritime Organization has implemented regulations to reduce pollution from shipping in the Ionian Sea. The University of Piraeus and the Athens University of Economics and Business have conducted research on the economy of the Ionian Sea.

Ecology

The ecology of the Ionian Sea is characterized by a diverse range of marine life, including fish, coral, and seaweed. The sea is home to several marine protected areas, including the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the National Marine Park of Alonissos. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified several species found in the Ionian Sea as endangered, including the monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle. The European Environment Agency and the World Wildlife Fund have conducted research on the ecology of the Ionian Sea. The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and the Institute of Marine Biology have also studied the ecology of the Ionian Sea. Category:Seas of the Mediterranean