It has the least number of seas. It has a unique bottom topography, and in the northern part - a special system of winds and sea currents.
Mostly located in the Southern Hemisphere between, and. Its coastline is slightly indented, with the exception of the northern and northeastern parts, where almost all seas and large bays are located.
Unlike other oceans, the mid-ocean ridges of the Indian Ocean consist of three branches radiating from its central part. The ridges are dissected by deep and narrow longitudinal depressions - grabens. One of these huge grabens is the Red Sea depression, which is a continuation of the faults of the axial part of the Arabian-Indian mid-ocean ridge.
Mid-ocean ridges divide the bed into 3 large areas that make up three different. The transition from the ocean floor to the continents is gradual everywhere; only in the northeastern part of the ocean is the arc of the Sunda Islands located, under which the Indo-Australian lithospheric plate subducts. Therefore, a deep-sea trench about 4000 km long stretches along these islands. There are more than a hundred active volcanoes here, including the famous Krakatoa, and earthquakes often occur.
At the surface of the Indian Ocean depends on geographical latitude. The northern part of the Indian Ocean is much warmer than the southern part.
Monsoons form in the northern part of the Indian Ocean (north of 10 S latitude). In summer, the southwestern summer monsoon blows here, carrying humid equatorial air from the sea to the land, in winter - the northeastern winter monsoon, carrying dry tropical air from the continent.
The system of surface currents in the southern half of the Indian Ocean is similar to the system of currents in the corresponding latitudes of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. However, north of 10°N. A special regime of water movement arises: monsoon seasonal currents appear, changing direction to the opposite twice a year.
The organic world of the Indian Ocean has much in common with the organic world of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the corresponding latitudes. In the shallow waters of hot zones, coral polyps are common, creating numerous reef structures, including islands. Among the fish, the most numerous are anchovies, tuna, flying fish, sailfish, and sharks. The tropical coasts of continents are often occupied by mangroves. They are characterized by peculiar plants with terrestrial respiratory roots and special communities of animals (oysters, crabs, shrimp, mudskipper fish). The bulk of ocean animals are invertebrate planktonic organisms. Common in tropical coastal areas sea turtles, poisonous sea snakes, endangered mammals - dugongs. The cold waters of the southern part of the ocean are home to whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. Among the birds, the most interesting are the penguins that inhabit the coasts South Africa, Antarctica and temperate ocean islands.
Natural resources and economic development
The Indian Ocean has great biological wealth, but fishing is mainly limited to coastal zones, where, in addition to fish, lobsters, shrimp, and shellfish are caught. In the open waters of hot zones, tuna fishing is carried out, and in cold zones, whales and krill are fished.
The most important are oil and natural gas deposits. The Persian Gulf with its adjacent land stands out especially, where 1/3 of the world's oil is produced.
IN last decades the coasts of warm seas and the islands of the northern part of the ocean are becoming more and more attractive for people to relax, and the tourism business. The volume of traffic through the Indian Ocean is significantly less than through the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. However, it plays an important role in the development of South and Southeast Asian countries.
The area of the Indian Ocean exceeds 76 million square kilometers - it is the third largest water area in the world.
Africa is nestled in the western part of the Indian Ocean, the Sunda Islands and Australia are in the east, Antarctica sparkles in the south and captivating Asia is in the north. The Hindustan Peninsula divides the northern part of the Indian Ocean into two parts - the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Borders
The meridian of Cape Agulhas coincides with the border between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and the line that connects the Malaaka Peninsula with the islands of Java, Sumatra and runs along the meridian of the Southeast Cape south of Tasmania is the border between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Geographic location on the map Indian Ocean Islands
Here are such famous islands as the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, Cocos Islands, Laccadive, Nicobar, the Chagos Archipelago and Christmas Island.
It is impossible not to mention the group of Mascarene Islands, which are located east of Madagascar: Mauritius, Reunion, Rodrigues. And on the southern side of the island there are Kroe, Prince Edward, Kerguelen with beautiful beaches.
Brethren
The Maoacc Strait connects the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea; between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea, the Sunda Strait and the Lombok Strait act as connective tissue.
From the Gulf of Oman, which is located in the northwest Arabian Sea, you can reach the Persian Gulf by sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The road to the Red Sea is opened by the Gulf of Aden, which is located a little to the south. Madagascar is separated from the African continent by the Mozambique Channel.
Basin and list of flowing rivers
The Indian Ocean basin includes such large rivers of Asia as:
- The Indus, which flows into the Arabian Sea,
- Irrawaddy,
- Salween,
- Ganges and Brahmaputra, going to the Bay of Bengal,
- The Euphrates and Tigris, which merge slightly above their confluence with the Persian Gulf,
- The Limpopo and Zambezi, Africa's largest rivers, also flow into it.
The greatest depth (maximum - almost 8 kilometers) of the Indian Ocean was measured in the Java (or Sunda) deep-sea trench. The average depth of the ocean is almost 4 kilometers.
It is washed by many rivers Under the influence seasonal changes Monsoon winds change surface currents in the north of the ocean.
In winter, the monsoons blow from the northeast, and in summer from the southwest. Currents that are south of 10°S generally move counterclockwise.
In the south of the ocean, currents move east from the west, and the South Trade Wind Current (north of 20° S) moves in the opposite direction. The equatorial countercurrent, which is located immediately south of the equator itself, carries water to the east.
Photo, view from an airplane Etymology
The Erythraean Sea is what the ancient Greeks called the western part of the Indian Ocean with the Persian and Arabian Gulfs. Over time, this name began to be identified only with the nearby sea, and the ocean itself was named in honor of India, which was very famous for its wealth among all the countries that are located off the coast of this ocean.
In the fourth century BC, Alexander of Macdonald called the Indian Ocean Indicon pelagos (which means “Indian Sea” in ancient Greek). The Arabs called it Bar el-Hid.
In the 16th century, the Roman scientist Pliny the Elder introduced a name that has stuck to this day: Oceanus Indicus (which in Latin corresponds to the modern name).
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Less extensive than Quiet and. Its area is 76 million km2. This ocean is widest in the Southern Hemisphere, and in the Northern Hemisphere it has the appearance of a large sea cutting deeply into the land. It was the large sea that people imagined the Indian Ocean from ancient times right up to.
The shores of the Indian Ocean are one of the areas of ancient civilizations. Scientists believe that navigation in it began earlier than in other oceans, approximately 6 thousand years ago. The Arabs were the first to describe ocean routes. The accumulation of information about the Indian Ocean began from the time of navigation (1497-1499). IN late XVIII century, the first soundings of its depths were carried out by an English navigator. Comprehensive study of the ocean began in late XIX century. The largest studies were carried out by the British expedition on the Challenger ship. Nowadays, dozens of expeditions from different countries are studying the nature of the ocean and revealing its riches.
The average ocean depth is about 3,700 meters, and the maximum reaches 7,729 meters in the Java Trench. In the western part of the ocean there is an underwater ridge, connecting to the south with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Deep faults and areas on the ocean floor are confined to the center of the ridge in the Indian Ocean. These faults continue in and out onto land. The ocean floor is crossed by numerous rises.
Location: The Indian Ocean is bounded from the north by Eurasia, from the west by the eastern coast of Africa, from the east by the western coast of Oceania and from the south by the waters of the South Sea, the border of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans runs along the 20° meridian. d., between the Indian and Pacific Oceans - along the 147° meridian east. d.
Square: 74.7 million km2
Average depth: 3,967 m.
Greatest depth: 7729 m (Sonda, or Java, trench).
: from 30 ‰ to 37 ‰.
Additional information : in the Indian Ocean there are the islands of Sri Lanka, Socotra, Laccadive, Maldives, Andaman and Nicobar, Comoros, and some others.
The school course in geography includes the study of the largest water areas - the oceans. This topic is quite interesting. Students are happy to prepare reports and essays on it. This article will present information that contains a description of the geographical location of the Indian Ocean, its characteristics and features. So let's get started.
Brief description of the Indian Ocean
In terms of scale and quantity of water reserves, the Indian Ocean comfortably ranks third, behind the Pacific and Atlantic. A significant part of it is located on the territory of the Southern Hemisphere of our planet, and its natural apertures are:
- Southern part of Eurasia in the north.
- East coast of Africa in the west.
- Northern and northwestern coasts of Australia in the east.
- Northern part of Antarctica in the south.
In order to indicate the exact geographical location Indian Ocean, you'll need a map. It can also be used during a presentation. So, on the world map the water area has the following coordinates: 14°05′33.68″ south latitude and 76°18′38.01″ east longitude.
According to one version, the ocean in question was first named Indian in the work of the Portuguese scientist S. Munster entitled “Cosmography,” which was published in 1555.
Characteristic
The total, taking into account all the seas included in its composition, is 76.174 million square meters. km, the depth (average) is more than 3.7 thousand meters, and the maximum was recorded at over 7.7 thousand meters.
The geographical location of the Indian Ocean has its own characteristics. Due to its large size, it is located in several climatic zones. It is also worth paying attention to the size of the water area. For example, the maximum width is between Linde Bay and the Toros Strait. The length from west to east is almost 12 thousand km. And if we consider the ocean from north to south, then the largest indicator will be from Cape Ras Jaddi to Antarctica. This distance is 10.2 thousand km.
Features of the water area
When studying the geographic features of the Indian Ocean, it is necessary to consider its boundaries. First, let us note that the entire water area is located in the eastern hemisphere. On the southwestern side it borders Atlantic Ocean. In order to see this place on the map, you need to find 20° along the meridian c. d. The border with the Pacific Ocean is in the southeast. It runs along the 147° meridian. d. The Indian Ocean is not connected to the Arctic Ocean. Its border in the north is the most big continent- Eurasia.
The structure of the coastline has weak dissection. There are several large bays and 8 seas. There are relatively few islands. The largest are Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Kuria-Muria, Madagascar, etc.
Bottom relief
The description will not be complete if we do not consider the features of the relief.
The Central Indian Ridge is an underwater formation that is located in the central part of the water area. Its length is about 2.3 thousand km. The width of the relief formation is within 800 km. The height of the ridge is more than 1 thousand m. Some peaks protrude from the water, forming volcanic islands.
The West Indian Ridge is located in the southwestern part of the ocean. There is increased seismic activity here. The length of the ridge is about 4 thousand km. But in width it is approximately half the size of the previous one.
The Arabian-Indian Ridge is an underwater relief formation. It is located in the northwestern part of the water area. Its length is slightly less than 4 thousand km, and its width is about 650 km. At the final point (Rodriguez Island) it turns into the Central Indian Ridge.
The floor of the Indian Ocean consists of sediments from the Cretaceous period. In some places their thickness reaches 3 km. It is approximately 4,500 km long and its width varies from 10 to 50 km. It's called Javanese. The depth of the depression is 7729 m (the largest in the Indian Ocean).
Climatic features
One of the most important circumstances in climate formation is the geographical position of the Indian Ocean relative to the equator. It divides the water area into two parts (the largest is in the south). Naturally, this location affects temperature fluctuations and precipitation. The highest temperatures were recorded in the waters of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Here the average is +35 °C. And at the southern point the temperature can drop to -16 °C in winter and to -4 degrees in summer.
The northern part of the ocean is located in a hot climate zone, due to which its waters are among the warmest in the World Ocean. Here it is mainly influenced by the Asian continent. Thanks to the current situation, there are only two seasons in the northern part - a hot, rainy summer and a cool, cloudless winter. As for the climate in this part of the water area, it practically does not change throughout the year.
Considering the geographical location of the Indian Ocean, it is worth noting that its largest part is under the influence of air currents. From this we can conclude: the climate is mainly formed due to the monsoons. IN summer period Areas with low pressure are established over land, and areas with high pressure over the ocean. During this season, the wet monsoon flows from west to east. In winter, the situation changes, and then the dry monsoon begins to dominate, which comes from the east and moves to the west.
In the southern part of the water area the climate is more severe, since it lies in the subarctic zone. Here the ocean is influenced by its proximity to Antarctica. Off the coast of this continent, the average temperature is fixed at -1.5 ° C, and the buoyancy limit of ice reaches 60 ° parallel.
Let's sum it up
The geographical location of the Indian Ocean is a very important issue that deserves special attention. Because enough large sizes This water area has many features. Along the coastline there are a huge number of cliffs, estuaries, atolls, and coral reefs. It is also worth noting such islands as Madagascar, Socotra, and the Maldives. They represent areas A Andaman, Nicobar originated from volcanoes that rose to the surface.
After studying the proposed material, each student will be able to present an informative and interesting presentation.
The Indian Ocean makes up 20% of the World Ocean by volume. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Africa to the west and Australia to the east.
In the zone 35° S. passes the conventional border with the Southern Ocean.
Description and characteristics
The waters of the Indian Ocean are famous for their transparency and azure color. The fact is that few freshwater rivers, these “troublemakers,” flow into this ocean. Therefore, by the way, the water here is much saltier than in others. It is in the Indian Ocean that the saltiest sea in the world, the Red Sea, is located.
The ocean is also rich in minerals. The area near Sri Lanka has been famous for its pearls, diamonds and emeralds since ancient times. And the Persian Gulf is rich in oil and gas.
Area: 76.170 thousand sq. km
Volume: 282.650 thousand cubic km
Average depth: 3711 m, greatest depth - Sunda Trench (7729 m).
Average temperature: 17°C, but in the north the waters warm up to 28°C.
Currents: two cycles are conventionally distinguished - northern and southern. Both move clockwise and are separated by the Equatorial Countercurrent.
Main currents of the Indian Ocean
Warm:
Northern Passatnoe- originates in Oceania, crosses the ocean from east to west. Beyond the peninsula, Hindustan is divided into two branches. Part flows to the north and gives rise to the Somali Current. And the second part of the flow heads south, where it merges with the equatorial countercurrent.
South Passatnoye- begins at the islands of Oceania and moves from east to west all the way to the island of Madagascar.
Madagascar- branches off from the South Passat and flows parallel to the Mozambique from north to south, but slightly east of the Madagascar coast. Average temperature: 26°C.
Mozambican- another branch of the South Trade Wind Current. It washes the coast of Africa and in the south merges with the Agulhas Current. Average temperature - 25°C, speed - 2.8 km/h.
Agulhas, or Cape Agulhas Current- narrow and fast current, running along the east coast of Africa from north to south.
Cold:
Somali- a current off the coast of the Somali Peninsula, which changes its direction depending on the monsoon season.
Current of the West Winds encircles globe in southern latitudes. In the Indian Ocean from it is the South Indian Ocean, which, near the coast of Australia, turns into the Western Australian Ocean.
Western Australian- moves from south to north along the western coast of Australia. As you approach the equator, the water temperature rises from 15°C to 26°C. Speed: 0.9-0.7 km/h.
The underwater world of the Indian Ocean
Most of the ocean is located in the subtropical and tropical zones, and is therefore rich and diverse in species.
The tropical coastline is represented by vast thickets of mangroves, home to numerous colonies of crabs and amazing fish - mudskippers. Shallow waters provide excellent habitat for corals. And in temperate waters brown, calcareous and red algae grow (kelp, macrocysts, fucus).
Invertebrate animals: numerous mollusks, a huge number of species of crustaceans, jellyfish. There are many sea snakes, especially poisonous ones.
Sharks of the Indian Ocean are the special pride of the water area. This is where the most large number types of sharks: blue, gray, tiger, great white, mako, etc.
Of the mammals, the most common are dolphins and killer whales. A southern part the ocean is natural environment habitat of many species of whales and pinnipeds: dugongs, fur seals, seals. The most common birds are penguins and albatrosses.
Despite the richness of the Indian Ocean, seafood fishing here is poorly developed. The catch is only 5% of the world's. Tuna, sardines, stingrays, lobsters, lobsters and shrimp are caught.
Indian Ocean exploration
Coastal countries of the Indian Ocean - hotspots ancient civilizations. That is why the development of the water area began much earlier than, for example, the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Approximately 6 thousand years BC. The waters of the ocean were already plied by the shuttles and boats of ancient people. The inhabitants of Mesopotamia sailed to the shores of India and Arabia, the Egyptians conducted brisk sea trade with the countries East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Key dates in the history of ocean exploration:
7th century AD - Arab sailors compiled detailed navigation maps of the coastal zones of the Indian Ocean, explored the waters near the eastern coast of Africa, India, the islands of Java, Ceylon, Timor, and the Maldives.
1405-1433 - seven sea voyages of Zheng He and exploration of trade routes in the northern and eastern parts of the ocean.
1497 - Vasco de Gama's voyage and exploration of the eastern coast of Africa.
(Expedition of Vasco de Gama in 1497)
1642 - two raids by A. Tasman, exploration of the central part of the ocean and discovery of Australia.
1872-1876 - the first scientific expedition of the English corvette Challenger, studying the biology of the ocean, relief, and currents.
1886-1889 - expedition of Russian explorers led by S. Makarov.
1960-1965 - international Indian Ocean expedition established under the auspices of UNESCO. Study of hydrology, hydrochemistry, geology and ocean biology.
1990s - present day: studying the ocean using satellites, compiling a detailed bathymetric atlas.
2014 - after the crash of a Malaysian Boeing, detailed mapping of the southern part of the ocean was carried out, new underwater ridges and volcanoes were discovered.
The ancient name of the ocean is Eastern.
Many species of wildlife in the Indian Ocean have an unusual property - they glow. In particular, this explains the appearance of luminous circles in the ocean.
In the Indian Ocean, ships are periodically found in good condition, however, where the entire crew disappears remains a mystery. Over the last century, this happened to three ships at once: the Cabin Cruiser, the tankers Houston Market and Tarbon.