The Indian Ocean is the third largest in the world in size, located off the coast of Africa, Australia, Eurasia and Antarctica.
Seas, straits and bays occupy 15% of the Indian Ocean and amount to 11.68 million km 2 . The main ones: the Arabian Sea (Oman, Aden, Persian Gulfs), the Red, Andaman, Lakkadivskoe, Timor and Arafura Seas; Greater Australian and Bengal bays.
Large seas of the Indian Ocean - Arabian and Red. In terms of size, they are ahead of their "neighbors" in the Indian Ocean, being among them the largest. The most interesting facts about these seas will be considered below.
Arabian Sea
Between the Arabian Peninsula and Hindustan there is the largest sea of the Indian Ocean - the Arabian. Its area is huge and amounts to 4832 thousand km², the volume of liquid is 14 514 thousand km³, the deepest point is 5803 m.
The salt content in the Arabian Sea is 35-36 g / l. The maximum water temperature is observed in May and is 29 degrees, in winter this indicator fluctuates between 22-27 degrees, and in summer - 23-28 degrees.
The most striking "paradise" place in the Arabian Sea are the Maldives - sand-covered coral reefs. The lack of fresh water sources is an interesting fact of these islands. Most locals use desalinated water or collect rainwater.
Red sea
The total area is 450 thousand km², the volume of water in the sea is 251 thousand km³, the deepest basin is 2211 m. This is the sea of the Indian Ocean is called the saltiest in the world. Yes, it is Red, not Dead (which has no drains, which means it is a lake).
The Gulf of Aden replenishes the waters of this sea, since not a single river flows into it. As a result, 41 g (41%) of salt is contained in 1 liter of water of this sea. For comparison: the salt content in the Mediterranean is 25 g / l. In addition, the Red Sea takes the 2nd place in the content of healthy salts, the abundance of coral contributes to this fact.
The positive result of the lack of rivers is the purity and transparency of the water of the Red Sea, so every vacationer can easily appreciate the natural wealth of its flora and fauna.
Andaman and Laccadive seas
Andaman Sea
Its area is 605 thousand km², the maximum depth is 4507 m, it is washed by the coasts of Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia, as well as the Andoman Islands (the most mysterious islands, little is known about them) and the Nicobar Islands, the Indochina and Mallaka Peninsulas.
Of particular interest is the active volcano Barren, located on an island with the same name. According to researchers, it was he who became the impetus of the underwater earthquake in 2004 near Sumatra.
The most favorable climate is observed from October to May with the Andaman Sea water temperature of 30 degrees.
Laccadive Sea
Located off the coast of Sri Lanka and India, it also bathes the Laccadive and Maldives in the west, which separate it from the Arabian Sea. The Eighth Degree Strait unites the sea with the Indian Ocean.
The area of the Laccadive Sea is 786 thousand km², the maximum depth is 4131 m, salinity is 34-35 g / l.
The water temperature does not depend too much on the season: in the summer - 26-28 degrees, in the winter - up to 25 degrees.
Timor and Arafura Seas of the Indian Ocean
Timor Sea
Its area is 432 thousand km², the maximum depth is 3310 m, it is washed by the shores of Australia, Indonesia and East Timor.
This sea of the Indian Ocean is not considered deep, basically its bottom is flat and does not exceed a depth of 200 m, with the exception of the existing depressions.
Large reserves of oil and gas are of particular interest. True, the right to extract resources between Australia and Timor is currently controversial.
Sea of arafura
This is a young sea, which arose as a result of an increase in the water level of the World Ocean. Its area is 1017 thousand km², and the volume of water is 189 thousand km³, the deepest trench is 3680 m, salinity is 32-35 g / l, and the average water temperature is 25-28 degrees.
Arafur - the sea of the Indian Ocean, "settled" at its outskirts. In addition, the Torres Strait connects this sea with the Pacific Ocean. Due to their proximity and similar climate to the Timor Sea, they are called "twin seas".
Typhoons are a frequent occurrence of the Arafura Sea.
The seas of the Indian Ocean are characterized by a rich and diverse fauna, and are also excellent resort areas.