Sea of Marmara facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sea of Marmara
Sea of Marmara Location in Turkey
Bathymetry and surrounding relief
Location	Europe and Asia
Coordinates	40°40′N 28°00′E / 40.667°N 28.000°E / 40.667; 28.000
Type	Inland sea
Native name	Marmara Denizi  (Turkish)
Primary inflows	Simav River, Biga Çayı, Nilüfer River
Primary outflows	Turkish Straits
Catchment area	11,500 km2 (4,400 sq mi)
Basin countries	Turkey
Surface area	11,350 km2 (4,380 sq mi)
Average depth	494 m (1,621 ft)
Max. depth	1,370 m (4,490 ft)
Water volume	3,378 km3 (810 cu mi)
Islands	Marmara Island, Avşa, İmralı, Prince Islands, Paşalimanı and Ekinlik Island
Settlements	Istanbul, Bursa, İzmit, Tekirdağ, Balıkesir, Çanakkale, and Yalova

Satellite image of the Sea of Marmara

Algal bloom on the Sea of Marmara

Satellite image showing metropolitan İzmit along northern and eastern shores

The Sea of Marmara is an inland sea located entirely within Turkey. It acts like a bridge, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea. This sea also separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey.

The Bosporus strait connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The Dardanelles strait connects it to the Aegean Sea. The Bosporus strait also divides Istanbul into its European and Asian sides. The Sea of Marmara is a fairly small sea. It covers an area of about 11,350 square kilometers (4,380 sq mi). It is about 280 kilometers (174 mi) long and 80 kilometers (50 mi) wide. The deepest part of the sea is about 1,370 meters (4,490 ft) deep.

What's in a Name? The Sea of Marmara

The Sea of Marmara gets its name from Marmara Island. This island is famous for its rich supply of marble. The word "Marmara" comes from the Greek word mármaron, which means "marble."

In ancient times, this sea was known as the Propontis. This old Greek name means "before the sea." It was called this because ancient Greek sailors passed through it to reach the Black Sea, which they called Pontos.

In Greek mythology, there's a story about the Propontis. A big storm on this sea brought the Argonauts back to an island they had just left. This led to a battle where Jason or Heracles accidentally killed King Cyzicus. The king thought they were his enemies.

Geography of the Sea of Marmara

The water in the Sea of Marmara has different levels of saltiness. Near the surface, the water is a bit salty. It has about 22 parts of salt per thousand parts of water. This is saltier than the Black Sea but less salty than most oceans.

However, the water at the bottom of the sea is much saltier. It has about 38 parts of salt per thousand. This is similar to the saltiness of the Mediterranean Sea. This very salty, heavy water stays at the bottom and does not mix much with the water at the surface.

Rivers like the Susurluk, Biga (also known as Granicus), and Gonen Rivers flow into the Sea of Marmara. These rivers bring fresh water, which helps to lower the sea's saltiness. Most of these rivers flow from the Asian side of Turkey, called Anatolia.

Islands and Coasts

The Sea of Marmara is home to several islands. These include the Prince Islands, Marmara Island, Avşa, and Paşalimanı.

The southern coast of the sea has many deep inlets and bays. Some of the important ones are the Gulf of İzmit, the Gulf of Gemlik, the Gulf of Bandırma, and the Gulf of Erdek.

Earthquakes and the Sea

The North Anatolian Fault runs right under the Sea of Marmara. This fault line is a place where Earth's plates meet. It has caused many large earthquakes in recent years. This means the area around the Sea of Marmara can experience strong tremors.

Towns and Cities by the Sea

Many important towns and cities are located along the coast of the Sea of Marmara. These places are important for trade, tourism, and daily life in Turkey.

Gallery

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  The Bosphorus with Istanbul in the background

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  View of Marmara Sea from Istanbul

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  Sea of Marmara approaching Yassıada

See also

In Spanish: Mar de Mármara para niños