Black Sea

The Black Sea is a body of water located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bounded by six countries: Ukraine to the north, Russia to the northeast, Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west. It is connected to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosporus Strait and the Sea of Marmara.

Black Sea coast of Georgia

HISTORY SIGNIFICANCE

The Black Sea was a freshwater lake until about 7,500 years ago.

The Black Sea has played a crucial role in the history of the surrounding regions. It has been a major trade route connecting different civilizations, including the ancient Greeks, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. 

It has witnessed significant historical events, such as the colonization of the northern shores by Greek city-states, the Byzantine Empire's control, and the Crimean War in the 19th century.

During Catherine The Great's reign. Russia added 200,000 square miles giving it access to the Black Sea and 7 million people to her empire.

SIZE AND GEOGRAPHY

The Black Sea is the world's largest inland sea, covering an area of about 436,400 square kilometers (168,500 square miles). 

It has an average depth of 1,225 meters (4,019 feet) and a maximum depth of 2,212 meters (7,257 feet) in the south-central part of the sea. 

The coastline is about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) long and features a diverse landscape, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, and steep cliffs.

MARINE LIFE

The Black Sea is home to a variety of marine species, including dolphins, seals, various species of fish, and the famous and endangered sturgeon. 

It is also home to a number of unique species of marine life, including the Black Sea mussel, which can live for up to 100 years.

The sea has a unique ecosystem, and some of its marine environments, such as the methane-rich depths, support diverse and specialized organisms.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

The Black Sea has significant economic importance for the countries that surround it. It provides access to important trade routes and serves as a transportation hub for goods traveling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. 

The sea also supports various economic activities, such as fishing and tourism,

The Black Sea is a major source of oil and gas, and is home to a number of oil and gas fields.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

The Black Sea faces several environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species. 

In the past, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, as well as untreated sewage, has negatively impacted the sea's ecosystem. Efforts have been made to improve water quality and address these environmental issues.

TOURISM AND RECREATION

The Black Sea region attracts tourists with its beautiful beaches, resorts, and recreational activities. Popular tourist destinations include the coastal cities of Odessa (Ukraine), Sochi (Russia), Varna (Bulgaria), and Trabzon (Turkey). 

Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and exploring the cultural and historical attractions of the region.

FUN BLACK SEA FACTS

The Black Sea is named for its dark waters, which are caused by the high concentration of sediment in the water.

The Black Sea is home to a number of shipwrecks, including the Byzantine warship Kyros, which sank in 717 AD.

There’s a “dead spot” in the Black Sea where scientists have found ships as old as 1200 years preserved well enough to see chisel marks from the original builders.