Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
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A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale recently struck Istanbul, with its epicenter located in the Sea of Marmara.
Overview of the Sea of Marmara
The Sea of Marmara is a relatively small inland body of water entirely surrounded by Turkey, acting as a natural divider between the country’s European and Asian regions. It spans approximately 11,350 square kilometers, stretching about 280 kilometers in length and reaching up to 80 kilometers in width at its broadest point.
To the northeast, it links to the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, while the Dardanelles Strait in the southwest connects it to the Aegean Sea. This strategic positioning makes the Sea of Marmara a crucial transition area between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
Salinity and Water Flow
The sea experiences a unique mix of water layers: colder, less salty water from the Black Sea flows in through the Bosphorus and stays near the surface, while warmer, saltier water from the Mediterranean enters via the Dardanelles and sinks to deeper layers.
Climate Conditions
The region has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and winters that are cold and wet.
Seismic Activity
The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the Sea of Marmara, making it a hotspot for significant seismic events. This tectonic activity has historically led to several major earthquakes in the area.
Key Islands and Cities
The sea is dotted with several islands, including Marmara Island (the largest in the sea and second-largest in Turkey), the Prince Islands, Avşa, Imrali, Ekinlik, and Paşalimani. Marmara Island is also known for its marble quarries. Prominent coastal cities along the Sea of Marmara include Istanbul, Izmit, Balikesir, Yalova, Tekirdag, Bursa, and Çanakkale.
