The Sea of Azov is the inland sea of Europe, located within the borders of Ukraine and Russia. Its area is 39 thousand square meters. km The reservoir belongs to the basin of the Atlantic Ocean. The depth of the Sea of Azov is average, does not even reach 10 m, the maximum is about 15 m.
Despite the fact that this reservoir is located deep inside the continent of Eurasia, nevertheless, it is not considered completely internal, but rather semi-closed. Through a long path - 4 straits and 4 seas - yet the waters of Azov fall into the ocean. The sea is 380 km long and 200 km wide. The length of the entire coastline is more than 2,500 km.
Historical information
The Sea of Azov is considered a rather young sea. Previously, there was a version that Don flowed directly into the Black Sea. But Azov was formed presumably between the 5th and 6th millennium BC.
The history of the name of the reservoir is quite interesting. It is worth noting that it has changed several times. At present, the most plausible version of the origin of the name is directly related to such an indicator as the depth of the Sea of Azov (average varies from 6 m to 8 m). This body of water is considered the smallest on planet Earth.
In ancient times, the Sea of Azov often changed its name: the ancient Greeks called it Meotida; Scythians - Kargaluk; ancient Meot tribes living on the coast in the 1st century BC called the sea of Temerind. The modern name was assigned to the reservoir only at the end of the XVIII century - “Azov”, which means “low” from Turkic.
Depth of the Sea of Azov: average, minimum, maximum
The Sea of Azov will not surprise the depths. The largest indicator is recorded only in the central part. In this area, the depth almost reaches 13-15 m. This pond is an ideal place to relax with young children, since you need to walk a few meters from the shore until the water reaches at least the adult's belt. In the coastal zone at a distance of 10 m, the depth varies within 1 m. This indicator increases, only when deepening into the sea by 1-2 km, reaching 5 m. From this we can conclude that the depth of the Sea of Azov: average - 7.4 m , and the maximum - 13-15 m. But the minimum is fixed in the area between the scythe Elenina and Zhelezinsky bank. There is a relief of raising the bottom, so the depth in these places does not exceed 3-4 m. In the Taganrog Bay area there are hollows of 9-10 m, and closer to the top - 5 m.
The Sea of Azov is also called flat. It is characterized by shallow depths and shallow shores. Depth is increasing gradually. The coastal slope of the northern and southern regions varies: wide shallow water is widespread in the north, up to 30 km inland, while the southern regions have a steep underwater slope.
Features of the reservoir
Small depths of the reservoir contribute to a low indicator of the catchment area. It is 586 thousand square meters. km The coast of the Sea of Azov is predominantly flat and sandy, consisting of small shell rock. The latitude of the beaches is medium in size. Tends to completely go under water during high tides.
Sea currents at sea are unstable - they depend on incoming north and west winds, only one thing is constant here - local circular counterclockwise.
Bays and braids
The sea is not full of bays. There are only four large ones: Sivash, Obitochny, Berdyansk and Taganrog Bay. There are few islands in the sea. A characteristic feature of the coastline is its long braids, which, alternating with the flat edge of the coast, make the coastline rugged. The largest of them is Arbat, its length is 115 km. In addition to the Arbat arrow, Fedotova, Berdyansk, Belosaray spits crashed into the Sea of Azov. Large rivers flowing into the Sea of Azov are the Don, Kuban.
Climatic features
The type of climate characteristic of Azov is moderate continental. Due to the fact that the maximum depth of the Sea of Azov does not exceed 15 m, in summer the water temperature can reach + 20 ... + 25 ° . In winter, in the northern regions it drops to 0 ... -3 ° C, in the southern to 0 ... + 3 ° C. The sea is covered unevenly with ice and only in coastal areas. In severe winters, the reservoir can freeze completely over the entire territory by 90 cm. The main period of ice formation is January.
Salinity
The waters of the Sea of Azov are becoming more and more salty every year. The reason for this is the decreased annual flow of large rivers. The fact is that in the twentieth century, reservoirs were built on large rivers that carried water into the sea, thereby significantly reducing the volume of water. And the salinity of Azov is supported by the Black Sea, in which this figure is much higher. According to the latest data, the salinity of the water in the Sea of Azov varies within 13.5% and continues to increase every year. This factor adversely affects the organic world of freshwater species.
Natural features
The organic world that populates the basin of the Sea of Azov is quite highly productive. Only one representative of mammals is found in the waters. This is an Azov dolphin. There are about 103 species of fish that constantly reside in a reservoir. Of these, there are those that are most valuable to industry. Hamsa, tyulka, flounder, goby, herring and sturgeon are caught here. Recent years have successfully carried out the acclimatization of bearing.
Using
The coast of the Sea of Azov is successfully used for recreation. Despite the fact that the pond is small and quite small, it is important for two states: Russia and Ukraine. Large ports were built in Mariupol and Berdyansk. The shelf is promising for the search for oil, gas and other minerals. Sivash is mined for salt. Since 1999, oil has been officially produced on the south coast (on the Kazantip metro station).
Tourism
The climate of the coast is very comfortable for living and recreation. The holiday season here begins in May and lasts until October, only about 150 days. The air on the coast is saturated with ions of iodine, bromine, calcium and other trace elements. Mostly the sea is surrounded by steppe, small winds always blow here. The shallow depths of the reservoir allow the water to warm up well during the tourist season. The air temperature in summer can reach + 45 ° C in the hottest month - July. Average t ° in season + 25 ° ... + 30 ° . Precipitation - 400-600 mm / g, most of them occur in the fall. The average January t ° is 0 ... + 6 ° C, but due to the winds blowing in the territory and constant humidity (75-85%), the actual weather condition is much more severe.
Due to its shallow depth, the Sea of Azov has become a favorite destination for families, especially with young children. Due to its shallow water, it warms up well in summer to + 23 ° C. Along the coast houses and recreation centers, sanatoriums and dispensaries have been built.