Adriatic Sea
Geography
The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, part of the Mediterranean Sea system, located between the eastern coastline of Italy and the coastline of the Balkan peninsula, i.e., Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. It extends from the northwest to the southeast and covers an area of approximately 138,600 square kilometres.
Geology
The Adriatic Sea sits upon the Adriatic Microplate, which separated from the African Plate during the Mesozoic Era. The sea's basin is a tectonic depression that has filled with sea water. The process of infill is ongoing, as the Adriatic Sea continues to deepen.
Hydrology
The Adriatic Sea's hydrology is influenced by the circulation of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea's surface currents circulate in a counterclockwise direction. The salinity of the Adriatic Sea is lower than the Mediterranean's average, due to the Adriatic Sea's shallow depth and the influx of fresh water from rivers.
Climate
The climate of the Adriatic Sea region varies from Mediterranean along the coast to continental in the interior. The Adriatic Sea's climate is significantly influenced by the Mediterranean Sea system, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Biodiversity
The Adriatic Sea is rich in biodiversity, with numerous species of marine organisms. The sea's flora and fauna are representative of the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem, with notable species such as the short-beaked common dolphin, the loggerhead sea turtle, and the noble pen shell.
Economy
The Adriatic Sea region's economy is heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, fishing, and shipping. The sea's coastal cities, such as Venice in Italy and Dubrovnik in Croatia, are popular tourist destinations.
Environmental issues
The Adriatic Sea faces several environmental issues, including overfishing, pollution, and the impact of climate change. Efforts are being made to address these issues and preserve the Adriatic Sea's unique ecosystem.