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‘Strait
is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there
be that find it.’ – Matt
The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow body of water that connects the Mediterranean
Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. At the Strait, water from the Mediterranean
and the African and Iberian coasts, mixes into the main body of water to
give the North Sea/Eastern Atlantic area its unique characteristics; thus
making it an important and strategic access waterway.
Being about 51 km long and 13-37 km wide, the Strait of Gibraltar separates
southernmost Spain from the northern coast of Africa. On each side of the
strait, at its eastern end, is a huge rock. ‘Pillars of Hercules’
is the ancient name given to these promontories that flank the entrance
to the Strait of Gibraltar.
The strait is a natural physical barrier, separating the two countries,
Europe and Africa. Tidal currents ebb and flow along the European and African
shores,
while a westerly flowing undercurrent carries off the surplus waters of
the Mediterranean, thus complicating the environment by a continuous current
which enters the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic. Ocean-water circulation
patterns here are therefore important. This weather condition affects Gibraltar
on and off throughout the year. |
