Baltic sea

Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, enclosed by Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Poland, Germany and the North and Central European Plain.

Geography

The Baltic Sea covers a basin formed by glacial erosion during the last few Ice Ages. It is divided into the Gulf of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga, and the Baltic Proper. The sea's surface area is approximately 377,000 square kilometers.

Hydrography and Hydrology

The Baltic Sea is a brackish water sea, with both oceanic and freshwater characteristics. The salinity gradient from the fully marine Skagerrak to the almost freshwater Gulf of Bothnia affects the species composition and distribution in the sea.

Climate

The Baltic Sea's climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. It is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, which brings warmer water and air masses from the Atlantic.

Flora and Fauna

The Baltic Sea is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including numerous species of fish, birds, and marine mammals. It is also a significant location for bird migration.

Economy

The Baltic Sea region is one of the most heavily trafficked sea areas in the world. Major economic activities include fishing, shipping, and tourism. Several major ports are located along its coasts, including Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Riga, and Gdansk.

Environmental Concerns

The Baltic Sea is facing several environmental challenges, including eutrophication, overfishing, and marine pollution. Efforts are being made to address these issues through international cooperation and policy-making.

See Also

• North Sea
• Scandinavia
• Baltic states