English Channel

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English Channel Satellite

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Osborne-iow-3Ja10-10876

Carte de la Manche

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The English Channel (French: La Manche) is a body of water that separates southern England from northern France and links the southern part of the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 560 km (350 mi) long and varies in width from 240 km (150 mi) at its widest to 33.8 km (21 mi) in the Strait of Dover.

Geography

The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. It is bordered by the United Kingdom to the north and France to the south. The channel is relatively shallow, with an average depth of about 120 meters (390 feet). The narrowest part of the channel, the Strait of Dover, is a key point for maritime traffic and is also the location of the Channel Tunnel, which provides a rail link between the UK and France.

History

The English Channel has played a significant role in the history of both England and France. It has been a natural barrier against invasions, most notably during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. The channel was also the site of the famous Battle of the English Channel during the Hundred Years' War.

Economy

The English Channel is a crucial route for international trade. Major ports along the channel include Dover, Calais, Portsmouth, and Le Havre. The channel is also a popular destination for tourism, with many coastal towns and cities attracting visitors for their beaches, historical sites, and cultural events.

Ecology

The English Channel is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. The channel's ecosystem is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, making it a unique environment for marine biodiversity.

Transportation

The English Channel is a vital transportation route. The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is a 50.45 km (31.35 mi) rail tunnel that runs beneath the channel, connecting Folkestone in the UK with Coquelles near Calais in France. The tunnel is used for both passenger and freight transport and is a significant engineering achievement.

See also

• Strait of Dover
• Channel Tunnel
• North Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Dover
• Calais
• Portsmouth
• Le Havre