Aarti Deegwal
The Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea are both marginal seas that lie between Europe and Asia. The Black Sea is supplied by major rivers such as the Danube, Dnieper and Dniester. The Mediterranean, on the other hand, is connected to the Black Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara. Both seas have been found to be warmer than usual for this time of year, with the Mediterranean Sea about 1-2 °C warmer than the 1982-2012 average, and the Black Sea even more anomalously warm, with parts of it 2-4 °C warmer than average. While the Black Sea is generally warm and does not freeze in winter, it is not known to be warmer than the Mediterranean Sea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | The Black Sea is not absolutely colder than the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea is about 1-2 °C warmer than the Black Sea during the peak season. |
| Temperature anomaly | The Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea are both warmer than is usual for this time of year. The Mediterranean Sea is 1-2 °C warmer than the 1982-2012 average, while the Black Sea is 2-4 °C warmer than average. |
| Water balance | The Black Sea has a positive water balance, with an annual net outflow of 300 km3 per year through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles into the Aegean Sea. |
| Water exchange | Water is being exchanged with the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Water temperature | The Black Sea's upper layer has a marked yearly periodicity. In winter, water temperature ranges from -0.5 °C in the northwest to about 9-10 °C in the southeast. In summer, the surface layer is warmed to 23-26 °C. |
| Salinity | The salinity of the surface waters in the open sea averages between 17 and 18 parts per thousand, which is approximately half that of the oceans. |
| Climate | The climate of the Black Sea is generally continental, although some parts of the basin are controlled by the shoreline relief. A steppe climate, with cold winters and hot, dry summers, is found in the northwestern part of the basin. The southeastern portion of the sea, sheltered by high mountains, experiences a humid subtropical climate, with abundant precipitation, warm winters, and humid summers. |
What You'll Learn
The Black Sea is a marginal sea, lying between Europe and Asia
The Black Sea is connected to the Mediterranean Sea through the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait. It also links with the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Crete before meeting the Mediterranean. The Bosporus strait also connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov in the north, and the Sea of Marmara to the south.
The Black Sea is known for its anoxic water, which is caused by the inflow of dense, saline water from the Mediterranean, which flows in underneath the fresher, less dense water flowing out of the Black Sea. This creates a permanent layer of deep water that does not drain or mix, and is therefore anoxic. This anoxic layer is responsible for preserving ancient shipwrecks, which have been found in the Black Sea.
The Black Sea is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and more than ten small islands. It is a popular tourist destination, with sandy beaches, swimming spots, and beautiful coasts. It is also a major shipping route, connecting Eastern European countries with markets around the world.
The Black Sea has a continental climate, with seasonal variations. The northwestern part of the sea has cold winters and hot summers, while the southeastern part has a humid climate with warm winters and humid summers.
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The Mediterranean sea is warmer in some parts
The Mediterranean and Black seas are both warmer than usual for this time of year. The Mediterranean Sea is currently about 1-2 °C warmer than the 1982-2012 average, with the warmest parts in the northern Mediterranean off the coast of south France and northwest Italy, and in the northern Adriatic Sea. These areas are 2-3.5 °C warmer than average.
The Mediterranean Sea's temperature varies depending on the region, with the southern regions being warmer than the northern regions. The same is true for the Black Sea, with the coast of the Caucasus and the southern coast of Crimea being warmer than the northwestern part of the basin.
The Black Sea is supplied by major rivers, including the Danube, Dnieper, and Dniester, and is bounded by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The Mediterranean Sea, on the other hand, is located between Europe and Africa and is connected to the Black Sea via the Turkish Straits and the Aegean Sea.
The Black Sea is known for its southwestern winds, which bring warm and humid air masses from the Mediterranean, leading to hot and dry summers in all Black Sea resorts. The Mediterranean Sea, meanwhile, is influenced by winds from the Atlantic, which can bring rain and sharp squalls.
While the Black Sea is generally warm and does not freeze in winter, the Mediterranean Sea can experience colder temperatures in its northern regions during the winter months. However, both seas offer comfortable swimming temperatures during the peak season, with the Black Sea reaching 27-28°C and the Mediterranean Sea being warmer in some parts, as mentioned earlier.
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The Black Sea is supplied by major rivers, including the Danube
The Black Sea is supplied by several major rivers, including the Danube, Dnieper, and Dniester. The Danube River is the largest river in the European Union, draining 801,463 square kilometres (309,447 square miles) of land across 19 countries. The river flows into the Black Sea at the Danube Delta, making the Black Sea the receiving sea for the Danube's water. The Danube Delta is a rich ecosystem, home to over 300 species of birds and 45 species of freshwater fish. It has been inhabited by humans since the Neolithic Period, and today, it is a United Nations World Heritage Site due to its natural, cultural, and historical significance.
The water quality of the Danube directly affects the ecological health of the Black Sea. Any pollutants or changes in water characteristics carried by the river can impact the environmental balance and quality of the Black Sea ecosystem. Therefore, maintaining and improving the water quality of the Danube is crucial for safeguarding the Black Sea's marine environment and promoting its long-term health and biodiversity.
The Black Sea has a positive water balance, with an annual net outflow of 300 cubic kilometres per year through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles into the Aegean Sea. The water level of the Black Sea has varied significantly over time, and during certain geological periods, it was an endorheic basin, operating independently of the global ocean system. Currently, the Black Sea water level is relatively high, allowing for water exchange with the Mediterranean Sea.
The Black Sea's drainage basin covers parts of 24 countries in Europe, and its littoral zone is often referred to as the Pontic littoral or Pontic zone. The largest bays of the Black Sea include Karkinit Bay in Ukraine, the Gulf of Burgas in Bulgaria, and Sinop Bay and Samsun Bay in Turkey. The Black Sea plays a crucial role in connecting Asia and Europe and is a significant waterway for trade and transportation.
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The Black Sea is a popular tourist destination
The Black Sea region offers a plethora of attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to ancient cities and historical sights. The coastal cities of Burgas and Varna in Bulgaria have seen a significant increase in tourism, with their sandy beaches, marine parks, and quaint villages. Bulgaria's Black Sea coast also boasts the picturesque seaside resort of Sozopol, which is reminiscent of the popular Croatian town of Dubrovnik but with fewer crowds.
Romania's Black Sea coastline stretches for 152 miles, dotted with fishing villages, ancient sites, and water parks. The city of Constanța, Romania's oldest city, dating back to 600 BC, is a popular tourist destination with its picturesque beaches and Roman ruins. Nearby is Mamaia, an eight-kilometer stretch of beachfront with resorts and private clubs.
Turkey's Black Sea coast, known as Karadeniz, covers almost one-fifth of the country's total area. This region is extraordinarily beautiful, with sprawling green valleys, bold mountains, cascading rivers, historic villages, and friendly locals. The port town of Amasra, with its sandy beaches and ancient treasures, is a popular destination. Trabzon, one of Turkey's oldest trade port cities, boasts defensive walls dating back to Byzantine times and the Hagia Sophia Mosque with its intricate frescoes.
The Black Sea region also offers budget-friendly alternatives to the Mediterranean, with cheaper vacation rentals and lower consumer prices. The increasing popularity of the Black Sea as a tourist destination is expected to continue, providing a charming and tranquil escape for travellers seeking sun, sea, and historical exploration.
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The Black Sea has a continental climate
The northwestern area is exposed to air masses from the north, resulting in cold winters and hot, dry summers. The southeastern area, sheltered by high mountains, experiences warm winters and humid summers. The winter invasion of polar continental air, which prevails for an average of 185 days annually, brings strong northeasterly winds, rapid temperature drops, and frequent precipitation.
The Black Sea's temperature varies greatly throughout the year. In winter, the water temperature in the northwest is around 31 °F (-0.5 °C), while in the southeast, it is about 48-50 °F (9-10 °C). During summer, the surface layer warms to between 73-79 °F (23-26 °C). The minimum temperatures occur in the northwest, approaching -22 °F (-30 °C) during winter cold spells, while the maximum temperatures occur in Crimea, sometimes reaching 99 °F (37 °C) in summer.
The Black Sea region has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination, with its beautiful azure waters, sandy beaches, and ancient cities. The climate in the summer months reaches pleasant temperatures, making it a great alternative budget destination to the Mediterranean.
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Frequently asked questions
The Black Sea is not colder than the Mediterranean during the peak season. During the summer, the Black Sea's surface layer is warmed to between 23 and 26°C (73 and 79°F). In some areas, you can swim in the Black Sea even in November.
In winter, the Black Sea's water temperature ranges from -0.5°C (31°F) in the northwest to about 9-10°C (48-50°F) in the southeast.
During the peak season, the water temperature in the Black Sea can reach 27-28°C.
