The focus of this article will be the mysterious Norwegian Sea. Which ocean does it belong to - the Atlantic or the Arctic? What is the climate and other physical and geographical characteristics like there? And what sights is it famous for? Read about this and much more in this article.
Where is the Norwegian Sea
There are still disputes about the belonging of the water area to one or another ocean. The Great Soviet Encyclopedia in this regard differs from the generally accepted point of view. Thus, it draws the boundaries of the Arctic Ocean along the circular line Norway - Shetland and Faroe Islands - Iceland - Jan Mayen - Greenland. The World Hydrographic Organization defines the cordons of this gigantic Arctic water area somewhat differently. From her point of view, the Norwegian Sea belongs to the Atlantic. After all, the Arctic Ocean extends from the pole to the conditional line Greenland - Iceland - the Svalbard archipelago - Bear Island - the northern coast of Scandinavia. Thus, it can be stated that this is the marginal sea of the Atlantic. Moreover, it has similar hydrographic characteristics. For example, the Atlantic Gulf Stream enters it. The border between the Norwegian and Greenland Seas runs through Cape Gerpir in eastern Iceland, Jan Mayen and Bear Islands.
Physical and geographical characteristics of the water area
The Norwegian Sea borders on the Greenland, North and Barents Seas. It is spread on the continental shelf of Eurasia and covers an area of about one million and four hundred thousand square kilometers. The greatest depth in the Norwegian Sea is 3970 m, but on average this parameter is one kilometer and seven hundred meters. In addition, the water area is replete with shallows. The largest are the Lofoten banks and the Kopytov underwater plateau. The salinity of the Norwegian Sea is quite significant - thirty-five ppm. Such a "tropical" indicator is explained by the insignificant runoff of freshwater rivers, and not by the high level of evaporation, as in the waters near the equator. Another interesting indicator of the Norwegian Sea are high tides - an average of 3.3 meters. There are many islands in the water area. The largest of them are Annøya, Sørøya, Arnoya, Seylann, Lofoten, Ringvassøy. The shelf of the water area hides in its bowels large reserves of oil, which are being developed by Norway.
Norwegian Sea weather
As the Great Russian Encyclopedia says, this is the only water area of the Arctic Ocean that does not freeze in winter. Despite the fact that most of the sea lies beyond the Arctic Circle, it is notis ice-bound. The reason for this phenomenon is the Norwegian Current, which is an offshoot of the Gulf Stream. Warm waters from the Caribbean are a favorable factor for the species diversity of flora and fauna. However, contact with cold arctic air causes fog and high humidity. Seasonal temperature fluctuations here are insignificant. Winters are mild, with a predominance of southwestern winds. But they often bring serious storms when the waves reach nine meters high. And it's cool here in summer. If in winter the air temperature varies between marks - 4 - + 4 degrees, then in July it barely warms up to + 10-12. There are fewer cloudy days and strong winds in summer, but, of course, there can be no talk of any sunbathing and swimming. Diving is possible only in thermal insulation suit.
Fauna and flora
Of course, the Norwegian Sea cannot boast such species diversity as the coral reefs of the Gulf of Thailand, but still it is more inhabited than the neighboring waters of the Arctic Ocean. The warm Gulf Stream not only keeps the above-zero water temperature in the polar latitudes, but also allows many species of plants and animals to exist. Sharks even swim here. From the plant world, mention should be made of kelp algae, which is mined on an industrial scale, porphyry, fucus and others. In coastal areas, benthic crustaceans and mollusks, marine worms are found. The largest jellyfish in the world, the giant cyanide, also lives here. Lobsters, lobsters, crabs and spiny lobsters, scallops and mussels are fished for.
Attractions
What is the tourist interest in the Norwegian Sea? The photo often presents enchanting pictures of fjords, spits, bays and headlands. The sea with strong tides forms indented rocky shores. Many cruises aboard ocean liners offer a trip through the fjords and admiring the polar day or the northern lights. Fishing in the Norwegian Sea is no less remarkable. In the warm season, people from different countries come here to try their luck. Basically, the hunt is for Atlantic salmon. You can also see large mammals in the sea - fin whale, narwhal, blue whale, bowhead whale and killer whale. On the pebbly beaches, there are bird colonies and rookeries of seals, beluga whales and other pinnipeds.
