Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, enclosed by Scandinavia, Finland, the Baltic countries, and the northern part of Central Europe. The Baltic Sea is connected to the North Sea by the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits, and it is bordered by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden.

Geography

The Baltic Sea is approximately 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long, an average of 193 km (120 mi) wide, and an average of 55 meters (180 ft) deep. The maximum depth is 459 meters (1,506 ft) in the Landsort Deep in the Swedish Archipelago Sea. The sea's surface area is about 377,000 km² (145,522 sq mi).

Subdivisions

The Baltic Sea is divided into several sub-basins, including:

• The Gulf of Bothnia (divided into the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea)
• The Gulf of Finland
• The Gulf of Riga
• The Bay of Gdańsk

Hydrology

The Baltic Sea is characterized by its brackish water, a mix of saltwater from the North Sea and freshwater from numerous rivers. Major rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea include the Vistula, Oder, Neman, and Daugava.

Ecology

The Baltic Sea is home to a unique and diverse ecosystem, with species adapted to its brackish conditions. It supports various marine life, including fish, seabirds, and marine mammals such as the harbor porpoise and the grey seal. The sea is also known for its algal blooms, which can be harmful to marine life and human health.

History

The Baltic Sea has been a crucial area for trade and cultural exchange for centuries. It was a central part of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. The sea has also been the site of numerous naval battles and conflicts, particularly during the Northern Wars and World War II.

Economy

The Baltic Sea region is economically significant, with major ports such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, and Gdańsk. The sea is a vital route for the transportation of goods, including oil, natural gas, and various bulk commodities. The region also has a thriving tourism industry, with many coastal towns and cities attracting visitors for their natural beauty and historical significance.

Environmental Issues

The Baltic Sea faces several environmental challenges, including pollution, eutrophication, and the impacts of climate change. Efforts to protect and preserve the sea include international cooperation through organizations such as the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), which works to improve the environmental health of the Baltic Sea.

See Also

• North Sea
• Gulf of Bothnia
• Gulf of Finland
• Hanseatic League
• Marine life