Mediterranean Sea

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Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea (/ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən/ MED-it-ə-RAY-nee-ən; from Latin: Mare Mediterraneum, lit. "Sea in the Middle of the Earth") is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant.

Etymology

The term Mediterranean derives from the Latin word mediterraneus, meaning "in the middle of the earth" or "between lands" (medius, "middle, between" + terra, "land, earth"). This is because the sea is nearly completely enclosed by land.

Geography

The Mediterranean Sea has an area of roughly 2,500,000 km² (965,000 sq mi), but its connection to the Atlantic (the Strait of Gibraltar) is only 14 km (9 mi) wide. The sea is technically a part of the Atlantic Ocean, although it is usually identified as a separate body of water.

Climate

The Mediterranean Sea has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The climate is a result of the sea's position between the subtropical high-pressure areas, and the cool, rainy northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean.

Biodiversity

The Mediterranean Sea is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a wide range of marine species, including the Mediterranean monk seal, which is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals.

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