Location of the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is located in the world’s largest inland sea, surrounded by Europe to the north, Asia to the east, and Africa to the south. With a total surface area of 2.5 million square kilometers and the coasts of 22 countries, the Mediterranean is known for its stunning climate and striking shorelines.
Climate in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean climate is largely influenced by the latitudinal and longitudinal dispersion of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are hot and dry, while winter temperatures are mild and wet. This unique combination of dry and wet seasons creates a unique vegetable and animal life that is adapted to the warming wind, abundant rainfall, and steady temperatures of the Mediterranean.
Temperature of Mediterranean Sea
The average temperature of the Mediterranean Sea varies depending on the region, but the average across the entire area is 19–20° Celsius (68–68° Fahrenheit). In the south, the temperatures tend to be a few degrees higher. Generally, the temperature is influenced by the warmer waters from the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, which flow into the Mediterranean, while colder temperatures come from the north and east.
Temperature Variation
The temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea vary by region, with the western and northern areas experiencing the mildest temperatures in the summer season, ranging from 18-24° Celsius (64-75° Fahrenheit). The southern region, however, experiences the highest temperatures in the summer, up to 28° Celsius (82° Fahrenheit). For the winter season, temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea range from 8° Celsius (46° Fahrenheit) in the northern region to 16° Celsius in the south.
Tides in the Mediterranean
Tides in the Mediterranean vary significantly from other oceans due to its geography. The Mediterranean has two major tides: the Spring Tide, which occurs twice every month, and the Neap Tide, which only occurs once. Additionally, due to the shallow continental shelf that surrounds the Mediterranean, the tides are much lower than other areas of the world, averaging from 0.6–1.6 meters at high tide in the Northern Mediterranean.
Ocean Currents in the Mediterranean
The main ocean currents driving the Mediterranean Sea are the Gulf Stream, coming from the Atlantic Ocean, and the North African Coastal Current moving from the Gulf of Sidra in Libya. These two currents interact with surrounding waters, providing both warm and cool waters to the region. The degree of temperature variation is determined by the volume of water exchanged between them.
Kelp Forests in the Mediterranean
Kelp forests are a critical habitat for many species in the Mediterranean Sea. The high temperatures and abundance of nutrients, provided by the currents, provide the ideal environment for kelp growth. Established in 1997, the Karpathos Central Marine Park in Greece is the largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean, encompassing 1,270 square kilometers.
Marine Flora and Fauna in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is home to more than 6,000 species of fish and invertebrates that define its extraordinary biodiversity. Species such as sea turtles, dolphins, and porpoises, along with starfish, seagrass, mollusks, and corals, provide a unique and sensitive marine landscape.
Pollution in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is increasingly threatened by incompatible activities, which not only include fishing, but also the dumping and shipping of pollutants, as well as nutrient enrichment from coastal rivers. This pollution has had a major impact on the region’s flora and fauna and ecosystems, leading to the loss of some species.
Marine Conservation in the Mediterranean
Marine conservation efforts have been underway in the Mediterranean since the mid-2000s, led primarily by non-governmental organizations. Governments have also been involved in the protection and management of the Mediterranean Sea, creating legal groundings for the protection of its resources. Projects, like the Mediterranean Sea Protection Project, have also been initiated in order to reduce the impacts of human activities on the Mediterranean’s marine life and ecosystems.
Impact of Climate Change on the Mediterranean
Due to climate change, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the areas most affected by its impacts. The rise in sea temperatures and a decrease in the salinity of the water due to ocean melting has led to a decrease in the productivity of its fisheries. The biodiversity of the region has also suffered, with some species disappearing, while others have moved to colder waters.
Adaptation Strategies to Human Impact in the Mediterranean
Adaptation strategies have been put in place to reduce the impact of human activities in the Mediterranean Sea. Coastal governments have worked together to create policies and regulations to protect marine life and natural habitats, while conservation initiatives have been launched to restore and enhance its resources. There is also an increasing focus on supporting sustainable fisheries and coastal tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mediterranean Sea is a unique and stunningly beautiful body of water, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 28° Celsius, tides that do not experience great variations, and an abundance of flora and fauna that contribute to its rich biodiversity. Its ocean currents provide both warm and cool waters to the region, while marine conservation efforts are underway to protect it from the negative impacts of climate change and human activities.
