While studying water world people are faced with the nuances of the definition of its various elements, sometimes confusing one with the other.We are talking about such subtle concepts as duct or Strait.What distinguishes them from the particular other water formations?Let's deal.
meaning of the Strait
Let's start with definitions.We will study the word strait.It is formed by the prefix and the root.Last consonant with the word "pour".If you join, you get a duct connecting the two reservoirs.
That is a jumper on which the world's oceans aligns the level of water in their tanks.It is clear that nature is naturally concerned about how to get the strait.What should happen in nature, that harmony is not disturbed, you can understand the experience.The best way to spend it on the beach.Make two small hills with indentations in the middle.One refill the water.See what happens.Water will try to find a way to "sea level" podmoet barrier and rush into the second groove.Just keep in mind that all this should not happen on land and in the water column, since only small pieces of continents or islands limit "Strait".What is going on there, deep in the ocean, look at an example.
What they are
the classification of straits used two unambiguous characteristics: it is connected and the limited.If the first sign is not so simple - duct can be formed by a single body of water, then decided to focus on the second.Let us and we build on it.
continent-continent.This limits the Strait of land belonging to a great education.For example, the Kerch Strait.It is small in itself.It connects the Black and Azov Seas.And its edges are continental land.
Island island.In this case, the Straits - a narrow body of water, which is formed by a relatively small plots of land.As an example we can consider Bonifacio.On its shores are located the islands of Sardinia and Corsica.The third type of spillage, clearly, is located within the boundaries of the continent - a small plot of land.For example, Mozambique.Its waters wash one side of Madagascar, on the other - the African continent.
Shipping
terms of use humanity wondering how deep strait.What is the advantage (even with the natural flow) is convenient for ships, known since ancient times, when there were no engines.Then the sailors tried to use the straits for more convenient transportation.Now the captain are other problems.They are trying to shorten the route, using any advantage seas.In this sense, the passages vary in depth (not everyone can go ocean liner), as well as the formation method.These include some artificial channels.They are two: the Suez and Corinth.It should be noted that natural and artificial passages play a huge role in the global economy.Furthermore, it is known that the narrow duct, mostly in inland seas are and political importance.He who controls them, can influence the situation in the region.
Gulf and the Strait of
What is the difference between these elements of the global ocean is not as clear as it seems at first.Each of them is located next to the land, can communicate with each other seas and oceans.Only Strait - a space bounded by the two land areas, from different sides.In contrast, the bay leaves on the oceans large plot.That is, it is in contact with the land with only one hand, parts - arc.The remaining space is poured into the waters of the world ocean education, which is located nearby.
Record
The longest is the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean.By itself, it more than most seas.Its dimensions: length - 1670 km, width - 925 km.Its depth is also impressive - about 3 km.
