Balearic Sea - map, photo. The coasts of the Balearic Sea
Balearic sea
The Balearic Sea washes the Iberian Peninsula. It is separated from the Mediterranean by the Balearic Islands. The sea covers an area of about 86 thousand square meters. km. The most significant depth is 2132 m.On average, the depth of the Balearic Sea is 767 m.Rivers such as Hucar, Turia and Ebro flow into its water area..
The Balearic Sea is sometimes referred to as the area of the Mediterranean Sea to the west of Corsica and Sardinia. But in fact, its water area is smaller. The Sea Territory is the area between the Balearic Islands and the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. A map of the Balearic Sea makes it possible to see that its dimensions are small. The depth decreases from northeast to southwest. The seabed is covered with silt and sand. The Balearic Islands (Minorca, Formentera, Mallorca, Ibiza) are a Spanish province and are an autonomous community.
Climatic features
On the sea surface, the water reaches a temperature of 12 degrees in winter and 25 degrees in summer. The salinity of the water is 38 ppm and increases with depth. The sea is considered warm as it is located in the subtropical zone. This area is dominated by Mediterranean vegetation. The coast is sunny almost all year round, except for the rainy season, which is winter. Heavy rains here, but short-lived. The sun shines 11 hours a day in summer. On the islands, the average annual temperature is +18 degrees.
Significance of the sea
The Balearic Sea is heavily used by people. Shipping and fishing are well developed here. The coast of the Balearic Sea is formed by the spurs of the Catalan and Iberian mountains. They come close to the water. The valleys and bays were formed by river systems. There are small bays in the sea. There are few large islands there. The relief of the islands is very diverse: gorges alternate with plains.
The Balearic Sea was developed a long time ago. From time immemorial it has been a source of seafood and fish for the local population. Phoenicians and Greeks lived on its banks. In the past, piracy flourished in the water area. Today Barcelona is considered the largest port on the Balearic Sea. In addition to this city, ports are Valencia, Tarragona, Palma.
Famous resort areas are located on the coast and islands of the Balearic Sea. The ecological situation there is favorable, but some species of marine animals are endangered. The most popular resorts are Ibiza, Mallorca, Dragonera, Formentera, etc..