What is the maximum depth of the Baltic Sea?
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The Baltic Sea, located in Northern Europe, is an inland sea characterized by relatively modest depths compared to other expanses of sea. Its average depth is around 55 meters, making it one of the shallowest seas in the world.
However, some areas are deeper than this. The maximum depth of the Baltic Sea is 459 meters, measured in the Landsort Trough, located in the West-Gotland Basin off the Swedish coast.
The Baltic Sea is not uniform in terms of depth. It is made up of several basins and gulfs, each with its own bathymetric characteristics:
- Gulf of Bothnia: Located in the north, between Sweden and Finland, this gulf is relatively shallow, with average depths of less than 100 meters;
- Gulf of Finland: Stretching east to St. Petersburg, this area has variable depths, generally between 50 and 100 meters;
- Central Basin: home to the Landsort Trough, the deepest point in the Baltic Sea;
- Gulf of Riga: Located south of the Gulf of Finland, this area is also shallow, with average depths of around 50 meters.
Several geological and hydrological factors explain the variations in depth of the Baltic Sea:
- Glacial origin: The Baltic Sea was formed at the end of the last Ice Age, around 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. Glaciers sculpted the landscape, creating deep basins and higher-lying areas;
- Sedimentary input: Rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea bring sediment which, over time, modifies the topography of the seabed, filling in certain areas and creating variations in depth.
The relative shallowness of the Baltic Sea has several consequences:
- A sensitive ecosystem: The shallowness of the Baltic Sea and the limited renewal of its waters make it particularly vulnerable to pollution and eutrophication. Nutrient inputs can cause harmful algal blooms, resulting in hypoxic (oxygen-poor) zones that affect marine fauna;
- Navigation: Variations in depth, combined with the presence of numerous islets and shoals, require careful navigation. Detailed nautical charts are essential for ship safety;
- Fishing resources: Shallow areas are often ideal habitats for many species of fish. However, overfishing and habitat degradation can threaten these populations.
The Baltic Sea has an average depth of around 55 meters, with a maximum depth of 459 meters in the Landsort Trough. These bathymetric characteristics, the result of its geological history and sedimentary inputs, directly influence its ecosystem and the human activities that depend on it. Understanding these depths is essential for the sustainable management of this unique and fragile sea.
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What is the maximum depth of the Baltic Sea?
Answer
The Baltic Sea has an average depth of around 55 meters, with a maximum depth of 459 meters in the Landsort Trough off the Swedish coast.