Skagerrak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Skagerrak
Skagerrak Location in Europe
Skagerrak and Kattegat
Location	North Sea–Kattegat (Atlantic Ocean)
Coordinates	57°50′50″N 9°04′23″E / 57.84722°N 9.07306°E / 57.84722; 9.07306
Type	Strait
Basin countries	Norway Denmark Sweden
Surface area	47,000 km2 (18,000 sq mi)
Average depth	200 metres (660 ft)
Max. depth	700 metres (2,300 ft)

The Skagerrak is a sea located in northern Europe. It lies between the countries of Norway and Denmark. This sea is actually a part of the larger North Sea. To its east, you will find the Kattegat, which is another strait.

What is the Skagerrak?

The Skagerrak is a special type of sea called a strait. A strait is a narrow passage of water that connects two larger bodies of water. In this case, the Skagerrak connects the North Sea to the Kattegat. It is an important waterway for ships traveling between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.

Deep and Shallow Parts

The Skagerrak has different depths. Close to the coast of Norway, there is a very deep area. This deep part is like a long, narrow valley under the water, called a trench. It goes down about 700 meters (2,300 feet). This makes it one of the deepest parts of the North Sea region. However, most of the Skagerrak is quite shallow. The average depth is around 200 meters (656 feet).

Natural Resources

The Skagerrak is not just a pathway for ships; it also holds valuable natural resources.

• Oil and Gas: Underneath the seabed of the Skagerrak, there are deposits of oil and natural gas. These resources are very important for energy.
• Oil Rigs: To get the oil and gas, special structures called rigs are built in the sea. These rigs are like giant platforms that drill deep into the earth to bring up the oil and gas. They are a common sight in parts of the Skagerrak.

Importance of Skagerrak

The Skagerrak has been important for a long time.

• Shipping: It is a busy shipping route. Many cargo ships, like the one in the image below, travel through it every day. They carry goods between different countries.
• History: Because of its location, the Skagerrak has played a role in history. For example, during World War II, German bunkers were built along its coasts, like those seen in Denmark. These bunkers were used for defense.
• Nature: The sea is also home to many different kinds of marine life. Its waters support various fish and other sea creatures.

Images for kids

• 

  The Oslofjord inlet near Oslo is part of the Skagerrak strait.

• 

  German bunkers from World War II are still present along the coasts of Skagerrak. (Kjærsgård Strand in Denmark)

• 

  A cargo ship on Skagerrak.

See also

In Spanish: Skagerrak para niños