The depth of the Azov Sea is average, minimum and maximum. Characteristics of the Sea of Azov

The Sea of Azov is the inner sea of Europe, which lies within the borders of Ukraine and Russia. Its area is 39 thousand square meters. Km. The reservoir belongs to the basin of the Atlantic Ocean. The depth of the Azov Sea is average, it does not even reach 10 m, the maximum - about 15 m.

Despite the fact that this reservoir is deep inside the continent of Eurasia, nevertheless it is not completely internal, rather semi-enclosed. Through a long way - 4 straits and 4 seas - yet the waters of Azov fall into the ocean. The length of the sea stretches for 380 km, and on the width - 200 km. The length of the entire coastline is over 2,500 km.

Historical background

The Azov Sea is considered a fairly young sea. Previously, there was a version that the Don was flowing directly into the Black Sea. But Azovskoe was formed presumably between the 5th and 6th millennia BC.

The history of the name of the reservoir is quite interesting. It is worth noting that it has changed several times. At present, the most plausible version of the origin of the name is directly related to such an indicator as the depth of the Azov Sea (the average varies from 6 m to 8 m). This pond is considered the smallest on planet Earth.

In ancient times the Azov Sea often changed its names: the ancient Greeks called it Meotida; Scythians - Kargaluk; Ancient Meot tribes, who lived on the coast in the I century BC. They called the sea of Temerinda. The modern name was assigned to the reservoir only in the late 18th century - "Azov", which means "low" from Turkic.

Depth of the Sea of Azov: average, minimum, maximum

The Sea of Azov will not surprise with depths. The largest indicator is recorded only in the central part. In this area, the depth is almost 13-15 m. This pond is an ideal place for resting with young children, as it is necessary to walk several meters from the shore, until the water reaches at least the belt of an adult. In the coastal zone at a distance of 10 m, the depth varies within 1 m. This figure only increases when deepening in the sea for 1-2 km, reaching 5 m. From this it can be concluded that the depth of the Azov Sea: the average is 7.4 m , And the maximum - 13-15 m. But the minimum is fixed in the area between the spit Elenina and Zhelezinskaya jar. There is a relief raised in the bottom, so the depth in these places does not exceed 3-4 m. In the Taganrog Bay area there are depressions 9-10 m, and closer to the top - 5 m.

The Sea of Azov is also called flat. It is characterized by shallow depths and shallow shores. The depth increases gradually. The coastal slope of the northern and southern regions varies: in the north wide shallow water is widespread, up to 30 km inland, while the southern regions have a steep underwater slope.

Pond Features

Small depths of the reservoir contribute to a low indicator of the catchment area. It is 586 thousand square meters. Km. The coast of the Azov Sea is mostly shallow and sandy, consisting of shallow shells. The breadth of the beaches is of medium size. It has the property of completely falling under the water during tides.

Sea currents at sea are unstable - they depend on incoming northern and western winds, there is only one constant here - the local circular counter-clockwise.

Bays and braids

The sea does not abound in bays. There are only four large ones: Sivash, Offic, Berdyansk and Taganrog Gulf. Islands in the sea a little. A characteristic feature of the coastline is the long braids, which, alternating with the flat edge of the coast, make the coastline rugged. The largest of them is Arbatskaya, its length is 115 km. In addition to the Arbat arrows, Fedotova, Berdyanskaya, Belosarayskaya spit cuts into the Azov Sea. The large rivers flowing into the Sea of Azov are Don, Kuban.

Climatic features

The type of climate characteristic of Azov is moderately continental. Due to the fact that the maximum depth of the Azov Sea does not exceed 15 m, in summer the water temperature can reach + 20 ... + 25 ° С. In winter, in the northern regions, it decreases to 0 ... -3 ° C, in the southern to 0 ... + 3 ° C. Ice cover the sea unevenly and only in coastal areas. In severe winters, the reservoir can freeze completely throughout the territory by 90 cm. The main period of ice formation is January.

Salinity

The waters of the Azov Sea are getting salty every year. The reason for this is the diminished annual run-off of large rivers. The fact is that in the twentieth century on large rivers that carried water to the sea, built reservoirs, thereby the volume of water has significantly decreased. Azov's salinity is supported by the Black Sea, in which this indicator is much higher. According to the latest data, the salinity of water in the Azov reservoir varies within the limits of 13.5% and continues to increase every year. This factor adversely affects the organic world of freshwater species.

Natural features

The organic world, which inhabits the basin of the Azov Sea, is highly productive. In the waters there is only one representative of mammals. This is the Azov dolphin. The total number of fish that live permanently in the pond is about 103. Of these, there are those that are most valuable for industry. Here, catching anchovies, tulks, flounder, bull, herring and sturgeon. In recent years, acclimatization of the bearing has been successfully carried out.

Using

The coast of the Azov Sea is successfully used for recreation. Despite the fact that the pond is shallow and small enough, it is important for two states: Russia and Ukraine. Large ports were built in Mariupol and Berdyansk. Shelf is promising for the search for oil, gas and other minerals. In Sivash, salt is extracted. Since 1999, officially on the southern coast (at the Kazantip m.), Oil is being extracted.

Tourism

The climate of the coast is very comfortable for living and recreation. The holiday season starts here in May and lasts until October, only about 150 days. The air on the coast is saturated with ions of iodine, bromine, calcium and other microelements. In the main the sea is surrounded by steppe terrain, small winds are always blowing here. Small depths of the reservoir allow you to warm up well during the tourist season. The air temperature in summer can reach + 45 ° C in the hottest month - July. The average t ° in the season is + 25 ° ... + 30 ° C. Precipitation is 400-600 mm / g, most of them fall in autumn. The average t ° of January is 0 ... +6 ° С, but because of blowing in the territory of winds and constant humidity of air (75-85%) the actual weather condition is much more severe.

The Sea of Azov due to its shallow depth has become a favorite place for family recreation, especially with young children. Due to its shallow water, the water warms up well in summer to + 23 ° С. On all coast are constructed houses and bases of rest, sanatoriums-dispensaries.