Adriatic sea

Adriatic Sea is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan peninsula, and the system of the Apennine Mountains from that of the Dinaric Alps and adjacent ranges. The Adriatic is the northernmost arm of the Mediterranean Sea, extending from the Strait of Otranto (where it connects to the Ionian Sea) to the northwest and the Po River.

Geography

The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, used in the geography of Europe as a part of the border between several countries, including Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Slovenia. The sea covers an area of about 138,600 square kilometers.

Hydrology

The Adriatic Sea's average depth is 252.5 meters, and its maximum depth is 1,233 meters. The Otranto Sill, an underwater ridge between Albania and Italy, is its shallowest part. The depth of the sill is a mere 50 meters, which allows water exchange with the Ionian Sea.

Biodiversity

The Adriatic Sea is home to a rich array of marine life. It is a significant habitat for rare and endangered species, including the Mediterranean monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle. The sea also supports a variety of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, many of which are of commercial importance.

Economy

The Adriatic Sea region is known for its diverse economy. Fishing and tourism are the main economic activities. Several major ports are located along the Adriatic coast, including Trieste, Venice, Ravenna, and Rijeka. These ports play a crucial role in the economy, providing shipping access for the countries of the Adriatic region.

See also

• Mediterranean Sea
• Ionian Sea
• Dinaric Alps
• Apennine Mountains