The World’s Largest Inland Seas
Inland seas are large bodies of saline water situated within a continent’s boundaries. Often formed due to geological or tectonic activities, these unique waterbodies are not connected to any oceans or seas but are still home to a diverse range of aquatic species. Inland seas are vital sources of freshwater, provide irrigation for farmland, and serve as important transportation routes. In this article, we will explore some of the world’s largest inland seas and their unique features.
The Criteria for Measuring Inland Seas
Inland seas are measured based on their surface area, volume, and depth. The surface area is the total space occupied by the waterbody, whereas volume is the amount of water contained within it. The depth, on the other hand, is the distance between the surface and the seabed. The largest inland sea is determined by considering all these factors, making it a challenging task to compare different inland seas that may have varying characteristics.
Caspian Sea: The Largest Body of Water on Earth?
The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland sea, situated between Europe and Asia. Its surface area measures about 143,000 square miles, and it contains more than 78,000 cubic miles of water, making it the largest lake in the world by both surface area and volume. The Caspian Sea spans across five countries, including Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan.
Caspian Sea’s Unique Geographical Features
The Caspian Sea’s unique geographical features include its saltwater composition and a mix of freshwater sources. The Volga River, one of the largest rivers in the world, supplies freshwater to the northern part of the Caspian Sea. The southern region, on the other hand, is saltier due to a lack of river inflows. The Caspian Sea’s depth varies, with some areas reaching up to 3,360 feet.
Challenges in Defining Caspian Sea’s Boundaries
Determining the Caspian Sea’s boundaries has been a contentious issue. Some countries, like Russia, consider it a sea, while others, like Iran and Kazakhstan, regard it as a lake. The distinction is essential because it determines which international laws and treaties apply. In 2018, the five Caspian Sea littoral states signed a historic convention that defined the sea’s legal status, opening the door for economic cooperation and environmental protection efforts.
Superior Sea: The Largest North American Inland Sea
The Superior Sea, also known as Lake Superior, is North America’s largest inland sea. It is situated on the border between the U.S. and Canada and has a surface area of 31,700 square miles, making it the third-largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is approximately 350 miles long and 160 miles wide.
Facts About Superior Sea’s Size and Depth
The Superior Sea’s maximum depth is approximately 1,332 feet, and it contains an estimated 2,900 cubic miles of water. The lake’s volume is enough to cover both North and South America with one foot of water. The Superior Sea is a vital source of freshwater for local communities, providing water for millions of people, and it also supports various fisheries and recreational activities.
The Future of Superior Sea: Climate Change Impacts
One of the biggest threats to the Superior Sea is climate change, which is warming the lake at an alarming rate. Warmer water temperatures can lead to harmful algal blooms and invasive species, which can have a devastating impact on the lake’s ecosystem. Climate change can also cause changes in precipitation patterns, affecting the lake’s water levels and potentially causing flooding or droughts.
Aral Sea: The Shrinking Inland Sea
The Aral Sea is a historically significant inland sea situated in Central Asia, between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was once one of the largest lakes in the world, but it has since significantly shrunk due to human activities. The lake’s surface area has decreased by over 90% since the 1960s due to irrigation projects that diverted the rivers feeding the sea.
The Tragic Story of Aral Sea’s Decline
The Aral Sea’s decline is one of the most significant ecological disasters of our time. The loss of the sea has caused severe environmental, social, and economic impacts, including the displacement of thousands of people, loss of fisheries, and a decline in public health due to dust storms caused by the exposed seabed. Efforts are underway to restore the Aral Sea, but it may take decades before any significant improvements are seen.
Inland Seas of Africa: Victoria vs. Chad
Africa is home to several inland seas, but two of the most significant by size are Lake Victoria and Lake Chad. Lake Victoria is the continent’s largest freshwater lake, and Lake Chad is one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world.
Comparing Victoria and Chad Inland Seas’ Characteristics
Lake Victoria is situated on the borders of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It has a surface area of approximately 26,500 square miles, making it the third-largest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Chad, on the other hand, spans across Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and it has a surface area of 1,500 square miles, making it the fourth-largest saltwater lake globally. Both lakes are vital sources of water for local communities and support various ecosystems but face significant environmental and economic challenges.
