Which seas are part of the Atlantic. Atlantic Ocean from the north side

The second largest ocean on Earth. This is the most studied and mastered by people ocean.

The Atlantic Ocean washes the shores of all continents except. Its length is 13 thousand km (along the meridian 30 W), and the greatest width is 6700 km. The ocean has many seas and bays.

Three main parts are distinguished in the structure of the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the bed, and the continental margins. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the longest mountain structure on Earth. It is also characterized by volcanism. Solidified lava forms ridges of high underwater volcanic mountains. Their highest peaks are volcanic islands.

In the waters of the Atlantic it is higher than in other oceans, and averages 35.4% o.

Unevenly. In temperate and cold waters, there are many crustaceans, fish (cod, herring, sea bass, halibut, sprat) and large fish (whales, seals). Sharks, tuna, flying fish, moray eels, barracudas, sea turtles, octopuses, squids live in the waters of tropical latitudes. There are few corals in the Atlantic, they are found only in the Caribbean Sea.

Natural wealth and the Atlantic Ocean

Natural wealth is contained in the waters of the ocean, at the bottom and in the bowels earth's crust. Some countries (., Cuba,) desalinate sea water at special installations. In England, various salts and chemical elements. In France (on the strait) and in (in the Bay of Fundy) large tidal power plants have been built.

Bottom rocks contain oil and gas, phosphorites, placers of valuable minerals (including diamonds), iron ores, coal. These are mined offshore. The main areas of oil and gas production: the North Sea, the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and Guinea, the Caribbean Sea.

In the Atlantic Ocean and its seas, 1/3 of fish and seafood (oysters, mussels, shrimps, squids, lobsters, crabs, krill, algae) are harvested annually from the total world catch. The main fishing areas are located in the northeastern part of the Atlantic.

The Atlantic Ocean is the world leader in shipping, port activity and density. sea routes. The densest network of tracks in the North Atlantic direction between 35 and 60 N. latitude.

Major world centers of tourism are located on the shores of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Gulf of Mexico, islands and Caribbean coast.

Atlantic Ocean the second largest in the oceanic division. AT total its area is about 106,400,000 sq. km (41,100 thousand sq. miles), it covers about 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of the area of the World Ocean. The greatest width of the ocean is between Brazil and Sierra Leone: 2848 km or 1770 miles.

The first mention of it refers to Greek mythology, was later compiled by the Atlantic " Marine Atlas". The oldest known reference to the "Atlantic" is in the History of Herodotus, 450 BC. Atlantis Thalassa.

Term Ethiopian Ocean was applied to the South Atlantic Ocean at the end of the 19th century.

Before Europeans discovered other oceans, the term "ocean" itself was synonymous with the waters outside the Strait of Gibraltar.

The ancient Greeks believed that the ocean is a giant river that surrounds the world.

The Atlantic Ocean occupies an elongated, S-shaped basin with a longitudinal expansion between Europe and Africa - in the east, and America - in the west.

Did you know that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the longest mountain range on Earth? It stretches under the Atlantic, from Iceland (Iceland itself is the surface part of the ridge) to Antarctica.

As one of the constituent parts of the world ocean, the Atlantic extends north to the Arctic Ocean (which is sometimes considered a sea of the Atlantic Ocean), borders the Pacific Ocean in the southwest, borders in the southeast and the Southern Ocean in the south.

Other definitions describe the Atlantic Ocean as a southward extension towards Antarctica. The equator divides it into two parts: the North Atlantic Ocean and the South Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic Ocean in pictures

All seas of the Atlantic Ocean:

Icarian Sea
Cilician Sea
Cyprus Sea
Myrtoan Sea

The most famous islands in the Atlantic Ocean:

Bahamas
Canary Islands(Spain)
Azores (Portugal)
Cap Verde
Greenland, which is not only the most major island in the Atlantic Ocean, but also on land.

In the area of the Caribbean islands, in the waters of the Atlantic, live the largest manatees.

A strange species of fish found in the Atlantic Ocean is the broad-nosed chimera.

Bays in the Atlantic Ocean:

Straits in the Atlantic Ocean:

What does "Atlantic" mean?
The word "Atlantic" comes from Greek mythology, meaning "sea of the Atlas". Atlas was a titan who was supposed to stand on the edge of the earth and carry the heavens ( celestial spheres) on his shoulders, as a punishment from Zeus, who fought against Atlas and was one of Olympic gods to control the skies.

How big is the Atlantic Ocean?
The size of the Atlantic Ocean is comparable to an area about 6.5 times larger than the United States.

How deep is the Atlantic Ocean?
Greatest depth - Milwaukee, in Puerto Rico: 8,605 meters. The average depth is about 3,339 meters (10,955 feet). Mid-Atlantic mountain range that runs from Iceland to the islands southern Argentina, divides the sea into two main basins, each of which is more than 3000 meters deep. On the satellite image, The Mid-Atlantic Ridge can be seen as a light blue line in the deep blue sea.

How warm is the waters of the Atlantic Ocean?
The temperature of the Atlantic Ocean depends on the location and ocean currents. The closer to the equator, the warmer the water. Temperatures are above 28 degrees Celsius / 82 degrees Fahrenheit in coastal areas near the equator. BUT minimum temperatures are around -2 degrees Celsius / 28 degrees Fahrenheit, in the polar regions.

The most famous waterways Atlantic Ocean

Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco
Bosphorus, strait in Turkey

List of major major seaports in the Atlantic:

Rotterdam (Netherlands), the largest container port in Europe
Hamburg, Germany)
New York, USA)
Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Colon (Panama), largest port Latin America

Some big cities on the Atlantic Ocean:

Miami (USA)
Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Cape Town (South Africa)
Lagos (Nigeria)
Casablanca (Morocco)
Lisbon (Portugal)
London, Great Britain)
Reykjavik (Iceland)

Did you know? Some interesting facts about the Atlantic Ocean

Leif Eriksson (970-1020) is mentioned as the first "European" to reach North America, 500 years before Columbus! The Icelander was the first person from Europe to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He named East Coast Canada "Vinland" (now Newfoundland).

The calmest place in the Atlantic Ocean (absolutely absent) is the Southern Tropical Zone. Here is the richest underwater life. Interestingly, activity marine life and fauna is manifested in cold currents, and not in warm ones.

There are no corals in the equatorial part of the Atlantic Ocean, there is more fresh water in comparison with southern part. Desalination ocean water occurs due to the flowing fresh waters of the Amazon River, which is considered the largest river.

The most restless part of the Atlantic (hurricanes) is considered to be the northern tropical zone, along the Antilles. In the east there is a cold Canary Current, so there are no corals here. These places are characterized by constant nebula, due to the proximity of the Sahara desert. However, the area of the Canary Islands abounds in fish.

The world's warmest current, the Gulf Stream, is located in the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. And in the delta of this current, the weather is the most inclement.

The Atlantic Ocean is considered one of the largest and most voluminous in size, namely the second largest after Pacific Ocean. This ocean, the most studied and developed, when compared with other areas. Its location is as follows: from the east it is framed by the shores of the North and South America, and in the west its borders end with Europe and Africa. In the South it goes into South ocean. And on the north side it borders on Greenland. The ocean is distinguished by the fact that there are very few islands in it, and the topography of its bottom is all dotted and has complex structure. The coastline is broken.

Characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean

If we talk about the area of \u200b\u200bthe ocean, then it occupies 91.66 million square meters. km. We can say that part of its territory is not the ocean itself, but the existing seas, bays. The volume of the ocean is 329.66 million square meters. km, and its average depth is 3736 m. Where the Puerto Rico trench is located, it is considered the greatest depth of the ocean, which is 8742 m. There are two currents - North and South.

Atlantic Ocean from the north side

The border of the ocean from the north is marked in some places by ridges located under water. In this hemisphere, the Atlantic is framed by a rugged coastline. Its small northern part is connected to the Arctic Ocean by several narrow straits. Davis Strait is located in the northeast and connects the ocean with the Baffin Sea, which is also considered to belong to the North Arctic Ocean. Closer to the center is the Danish Strait, which is less wide than Davis. Between Norway and Iceland towards the northeast lies the Norwegian Sea.

In the South-West north current oceans are Gulf of Mexico, which is connected by the Strait of Florida. Also the Caribbean. Many bays can be noted here, such as Barnegat, Delaware, Hudson Bay and others. It is in the northern side of the ocean that you can see the largest and largest islands, which are famous for their fame. This is Puerto Rico, world famous Cuba and Haiti, also British Isles and Newfoundland. Closer to the east you can find small groups of islands. These are the Canary Islands, Azores and Cape Verde. Closer to the west - the Bahamas, Lesser Antilles.

South Atlantic Ocean

Some geographers believe that southern part, this is all the space to Antarctica. Someone defines the border at Cape Horn and Cape Good Hope two continents. The coast in the south of the Atlantic Ocean is not as indented as in the north, and there are no seas here. There is one large bay near Africa - Guinea. The farthest point in the south is Tierra del Fuego, which is framed by small islands in in large numbers. Also not found here big islands, but there are separate islands, like about. Ascension, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha. Actually far south can be found southern islands, Bouvet, Falkland and others.

As for the current in the south of the ocean, here all systems flow counterclockwise. Near the east of Brazil, the South Equatorial Current forks. One branch goes north, flows about north coast South America, filling the Caribbean. And the second is considered southern, very warm, moves near Brazil and soon connects with the Antarctic current, then goes to east side. Partially separates and turns into the Benguela Current, which is distinguished by its cold waters.

Landmarks of the Atlantic Ocean

There is a special underwater cave in the Belize Barrier Reef. They called it the Blue Hole. It is very deep, and inside it is located more whole line caves, which are interconnected by tunnels. Deep into the cave reaches 120 m and is considered unique in its kind.

There is no person who does not know about bermuda triangle. But it is located in the Atlantic Ocean and excites the imagination of many superstitious travelers. Bermudas beckon with their mystery, but at the same time they frighten with the unknown.

It is in the Atlantic that you can see an unusual sea that has no shores. And all because it is located in the middle body of water, and its boundaries cannot be framed by land, only currents show the boundaries of this sea. This is the only sea in the world that has such unique data and is called the Sargasso Sea.

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Physiography Russia and the USSR
European part: Arctic, Russian Plain, Caucasus, Urals

INTRODUCTION

Introduction chapters:

Seas washing the territory of Russia
- Seas of the Atlantic Ocean
From the history of the geographical study of the territory of Russia
- The initial period of scientific research on the territory of Russia
- The period of major expeditionary research, including branch research
- Soviet period of branch and complex research

Seas of the Atlantic Ocean

Three inland seas The Atlantic Ocean - the Baltic, Black and Azov - is washed by small areas of Russian territory. All of them protrude deeply into the mainland, and their connection with the ocean is through other seas and shallow straits. Weak connection with the ocean determines their rather peculiar hydrological regime. The western transfer of air masses has a decisive influence on the climate of the seas.

Table 1. Seas washing the territory of Russia

The ancient Slavs called the Baltic Sea Varangian. This is the westernmost of the seas washing the shores of Russia. It is connected to the ocean through the shallow Danish Straits and the North Sea. The Baltic Sea was formed in the Quaternary in a tectonic trough that arose at the junction of the Baltic Shield with the Russian Plate. During periods of glaciation, its basin was blocked continental ice. In the Holocene, the sea went through several lacustrine and marine stages in its development and, apparently, at a certain period of time connected with the White Sea.

Depths Baltic Sea small. The maximum depth is south of Stockholm (470 m). In the Gulf of Finland near the coast of Russia, the depth is less than 50 m, near the Kaliningrad coast - somewhat more.

The main features of the climate of the Baltic Sea are formed under the influence of a steady transfer of temperate air from the Atlantic. Cyclones often pass through the sea, accompanied by western, southwestern and northwestern winds, cloudy weather and heavy rainfall. Their annual number reaches 800 mm and more. In summer, cyclones carry moist cool air, so the average temperature in July is 16-18°C, and the water temperature is 15-17°C. In winter, the Atlantic air causes thaws, since its average temperature in January is about 0°C. The sometimes cold arctic air breaking through here can lower the temperature to -30...-35°C. The Gulf of Finland, located near the borders of Russia, is covered with ice in winter, off the coast Kaliningrad region there are only floating ice. However, in exceptionally severe winters, the entire sea froze (1710, 1809, 1923, 1941, 1955, etc.).

About 250 rivers flow into the Baltic Sea, but about 20% of the annual river runoff is brought into the sea by the river. Neva (79.8 km 2). Its flow exceeds the flow of the three other largest rivers: the Vistula, the Neman and the Daugava, combined. The flow of the Neva is regulated by lakes, so it is characterized by one spring-summer maximum. Strong sustained westerly winds raise the water level in the eastern part Gulf of Finland, which caused catastrophic floods in St. Petersburg, located at the mouth of the Neva (1824, 1924). Limited water exchange with the ocean and significant river runoff determine the low salinity of sea water (2-14‰, off the coast of Russia - 2-8‰).

The fauna of the Baltic Sea is depleted in species due to high desalinization, low mixing of waters and the poverty of plankton. The following fish are of commercial importance: herring, Baltic sprat, cod, whitefish, chime, lamprey, smelt, salmon. A seal lives in the sea, the number of which is declining due to pollution sea waters.

The Black Sea is the warmest among the seas washing the shores of our Motherland. In ancient Greece it was called Pontus Euxine which means "hospitable sea". In terms of area, it is almost equal to the Baltic, but differs sharply in volume and depth (see Table 1). The connection of the Black Sea with the ocean is carried out through a system of inland seas (Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean) and straits (Bosphorus, Dardanelles, Gibraltar). Greatest length The water area of the Black Sea from west to east reaches 1130 km, the maximum width (from north to south) is 611 km, the minimum is only 263 km.

The Black Sea lies in a deep tectonic basin with oceanic-type crust and Cenozoic sedimentary cover. The maximum depth of the sea reaches 2210 m. The depression is delineated by the continental slope, which in a number of places (especially near the Caucasian coast) is strongly dissected by underwater canyons. The shelf is most developed in the northwestern part of the sea, off the coast of Ukraine. Coastline the sea is poorly dissected.

The geographical position of the sea and the relatively small area of the water surface determine the same type of climate throughout its water area, close to the Mediterranean, with warm, wet winters and relatively dry summers. However, the orography of coastal areas causes some differences in climate. individual sections sea, in particular, an increase in precipitation over the eastern part due to the influence of the mountainous barrier of the Caucasus.

AT winter time the synoptic situation determines the predominance of northeastern winds with an average speed of 7-8 m/s almost over the entire sea area. The development of strong (more than 10 m/s) and especially storm winds is associated with the passage of cyclones over the sea. The average air temperature in winter decreases from the open sea to the coast. In the north-eastern part, near the coast of Russia, it approaches 0 ° С, in the north-west it is -2 "С, and in the south-east + 4 ... + 5 ° С.

In summer, northwest winds prevail over the sea. Them average speed is 3-5 m/s, decreasing from west to east. Strong, especially stormy, winds are rare in summer and are also associated with the passage of cyclones. The average air temperature in August varies from + 22°C in the northwest to 24-25°C in the east of the sea.

Numerous rivers flowing into the Black Sea annually bring 346 km 2 of fresh water into it. The Danube gives the largest runoff (201 km 2 / year). All rivers of the northwestern part discharge 270 km 2 /year of fresh water into the sea, i.e. almost 80% of the total runoff, while the rivers of the Caucasian coast bring only 43 km2. The largest runoff occurs in the spring, the smallest is observed in the fall.

On the surface of the sea along the coast there is a cyclonic current. In the central part of the sea, two rings of cyclonic currents are traced: one - in the western part, the other - in the eastern part of the sea. Along Russian coasts The current carries water from the south. Through the straits there is an exchange of water with neighboring seas. Through the Bosporus, the surface current carries the Black Sea water, and the deep current delivers saltier and more salty water to the Black Sea. heavy water from the Sea of Marmara. The salinity of the Black Sea waters in the central part is 17-18‰, and increases with depth to 22.5‰. Near the mouths of large rivers, it drops to 5-10‰.

The Black Sea is very peculiar in terms of the distribution of dissolved gases in the water column. Saturated with oxygen and therefore favorable for life here, only the upper layer to depths of 170-180 m lower bound oxygen layer to the bottom, so the deep layers of the Black Sea are devoid of life.

There are 166 species of fish in the sea. Among them there are Pontic relics (beluga, stellate sturgeon, sturgeon, herring), Mediterranean forms (mullet, mackerel, horse mackerel, red mullet, sprat, anchovy, tuna, stingray, etc.) and freshwater forms (ram, pike perch, bream). Of the mammals in the Black Sea, endemic species have survived - the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin (dolphin) and the white-bellied seal, or the monk seal, listed in the Red Books.

The Sea of Azov is the smallest and shallowest on the planet. Its area is 39.1 thousand km 2, the volume of water is 290 km 2, the greatest depth is 13 m, the average is about 7.4 m. The narrow and shallow Kerch Strait connects it with the Black Sea. The Sea of Azov is a shelf. The relief of its bottom is quite simple: the shallow coast turns into a flat and flat bottom. Depths slowly and smoothly increase with distance from the coast.

The sea is deeply incised into the land, its water area and volume of water are small and do not have a significant impact on the climate; therefore, its climate is characterized by continental features, more pronounced in the northern part of the sea, which is characterized by cold winters and hot, dry summers. In the southern regions, which are more influenced by the proximity of the Black Sea, the climate is milder and more humid. The average temperature in January is -2...-5°C, but with storm winds from the east and northeast directions, temperatures may drop to -25...-27°C. In summer, the air over the sea warms up to 23-25°C.

Two rivers flow into the Sea of Azov major rivers- Don and Kuban and about 20 small rivers. Don and Kuban bring into the sea over 90% annual runoff river waters, so almost all fresh water flow into the eastern part of the sea. The vast majority of runoff falls on the spring-summer period. Water exchange with the Black Sea takes place through the Kerch Strait. From Sea of Azov about 49 km 2 of water flows out per year, and about 34 km 2 of Black Sea water enters, i.e. outflow to the Black Sea prevails. The salinity of sea waters in the Sea of Azov in the first half of the century was about 11‰. Then, due to a reduction in the inflow of river waters used for irrigation and an increase in the inflow of Black Sea waters, salinity began to increase and by the beginning of the 1980s it reached 13.8‰.

The shallow Sea of Azov warms up well in summer. In July-August, the average sea water temperature is 24-25°C. Maximum warming (up to 32°C) occurs near the shores. In the open sea, the temperature does not exceed 28-28.5°C. The long-term average annual water temperature on the sea surface is 11°C.

Ice forms on the Sea of Azov every year, but due to frequent and rapid changes in weather conditions, ice can repeatedly appear and disappear during the winter, turning from immobile to drifting and vice versa. Ice formation begins at the end of November in the Taganrog Bay. The final cleansing of the sea from ice occurs in March - April.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction chapters:

Seas washing the territory of Russia
- Seas of the Atlantic Ocean
From the history of the geographical study of the territory of Russia
- The initial period of scientific research on the territory of Russia
- The period of major expeditionary research, including branch research
- Soviet period of branch and complex research

Seas of the Atlantic Ocean

The three inland seas of the Atlantic Ocean - the Baltic, Black and Azov - wash small areas of Russian territory. All of them protrude deeply into the mainland, and their connection with the ocean is through other seas and shallow straits. A weak connection with the ocean determines their rather peculiar hydrological regime. The western transfer of air masses has a decisive influence on the climate of the seas.

Table 1. Seas washing the territory of Russia

The ancient Slavs called the Baltic Sea Varangian. This is the westernmost of the seas washing the shores of Russia. It is connected to the ocean through the shallow Danish Straits and the North Sea. The Baltic Sea was formed in the Quaternary in a tectonic trough that arose at the junction of the Baltic Shield with the Russian Plate. During periods of glaciation, its basin was covered by continental ice. In the Holocene, the sea went through several lacustrine and marine stages in its development and, apparently, at a certain period of time connected with the White Sea.

The depths of the Baltic Sea are shallow. The maximum depth is south of Stockholm (470 m). In the Gulf of Finland near the coast of Russia, the depth is less than 50 m, near the Kaliningrad coast - somewhat more.

The main features of the climate of the Baltic Sea are formed under the influence of a steady transfer of temperate air from the Atlantic. Cyclones often pass through the sea, accompanied by western, southwestern and northwestern winds, cloudy weather and heavy rainfall. Their annual number reaches 800 mm and more. In summer, cyclones carry moist cool air, so the average temperature in July is 16-18°C, and the water temperature is 15-17°C. In winter, the Atlantic air causes thaws, since its average temperature in January is about 0°C. The sometimes cold arctic air breaking through here can lower the temperature to -30...-35°C. The Gulf of Finland, located near the borders of Russia, is covered with ice in winter; off the coast of the Kaliningrad region, there are only floating ice. However, in exceptionally severe winters, the entire sea froze (1710, 1809, 1923, 1941, 1955, etc.).

About 250 rivers flow into the Baltic Sea, but about 20% of the annual river runoff is brought into the sea by the river. Neva (79.8 km 2). Its flow exceeds the flow of the three other largest rivers: the Vistula, the Neman and the Daugava, combined. The flow of the Neva is regulated by lakes, so it is characterized by one spring-summer maximum. Strong prolonged westerly winds raise the water level in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland, which caused catastrophic floods in St. Petersburg, located at the mouth of the Neva (1824, 1924). Limited water exchange with the ocean and significant river runoff determine the low salinity of sea water (2-14‰, off the coast of Russia - 2-8‰).

The fauna of the Baltic Sea is depleted in species due to high desalinization, low mixing of waters and the poverty of plankton. The following fish are of commercial importance: herring, Baltic sprat, cod, whitefish, chime, lamprey, smelt, salmon. The seal lives in the sea, the number of which is declining due to the pollution of sea waters.

The Black Sea is the warmest among the seas washing the shores of our Motherland. In ancient Greece it was called Pontus Euxine which means "hospitable sea". In terms of area, it is almost equal to the Baltic, but differs sharply in volume and depth (see Table 1). The connection of the Black Sea with the ocean is carried out through a system of inland seas (Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean) and straits (Bosphorus, Dardanelles, Gibraltar). The greatest length of the Black Sea water area from west to east reaches 1130 km, the maximum width (from north to south) is 611 km, the minimum is only 263 km.

The geographical position of the sea and the relatively small area of the water surface determine the same type of climate throughout its water area, close to the Mediterranean, with warm, wet winters and relatively dry summers. However, the orography of the coastal territories causes some differences in the climate of individual sections of the sea, in particular, an increase in precipitation over the eastern part due to the influence of the mountainous barrier of the Caucasus.

In winter, the synoptic situation determines the predominance of northeast winds with an average speed of 7-8 m/s over almost the entire sea area. The development of strong (more than 10 m/s) and especially storm winds is associated with the passage of cyclones over the sea. The average air temperature in winter decreases from the open sea to the coast. In the north-eastern part, near the coast of Russia, it approaches 0 ° С, in the north-west it is -2 "С, and in the south-east + 4 ... + 5 ° С.

In summer, northwest winds prevail over the sea. Their average speed is 3-5 m/s, decreasing from west to east. Strong, especially stormy, winds are rare in summer and are also associated with the passage of cyclones. The average air temperature in August varies from + 22°C in the northwest to 24-25°C in the east of the sea.

On the surface of the sea along the coast there is a cyclonic current. In the central part of the sea, two rings of cyclonic currents are traced: one - in the western part, the other - in the eastern part of the sea. Along the Russian shores, the current carries water from the south. Through the straits there is an exchange of water with neighboring seas. Through the Bosphorus, the surface current carries the Black Sea water, and the deep current delivers more salty and heavier water from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The salinity of the Black Sea waters in the central part is 17-18‰, and increases with depth to 22.5‰. Near the mouths of large rivers, it drops to 5-10‰.

The Black Sea is very peculiar in terms of the distribution of dissolved gases in the water column. It is saturated with oxygen and therefore only the upper layer is favorable for life here to depths of 170-180 m. Below, oxygen is quickly replaced by poisonous hydrogen sulfide, which is widespread throughout the entire water column from the lower boundary of the oxygen layer to the bottom, so the deep layers of the Black Sea are devoid of life.

Two large rivers - Don and Kuban - and about 20 small rivers flow into the Sea of Azov. The Don and Kuban bring more than 90% of the annual runoff of river water into the sea, so almost all fresh water flows into the eastern part of the sea. The vast majority of runoff falls on the spring-summer period. Water exchange with the Black Sea takes place through the Kerch Strait. About 49 km 2 of water per year flows out of the Sea of Azov, and about 34 km 2 of Black Sea water enters, i.e. outflow to the Black Sea prevails. The salinity of sea waters in the Sea of Azov in the first half of the century was about 11‰. Then, due to a reduction in the inflow of river waters used for irrigation and an increase in the inflow of Black Sea waters, salinity began to increase and by the beginning of the 1980s it reached 13.8‰.

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