strait
Sign in to savethumb|upright=1.15|Strait of Gibraltar thumb|Diagrammatic map of a strait
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A strait is a narrow passage of water that connects two larger bodies of water, such as two seas or oceans. Straits are important because they often serve as critical routes for ships and can be strategically significant for trade and international relations.
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Article
7 sectionsContents
- Terminology
- Comparisons
- Navigational (legal) regime
- See also
- References
- Bibliography
- External links
thumb|upright=1.15|Strait of Gibraltar thumb|Diagrammatic map of a strait
A strait is a water body connecting two seas or water basins. The surface water is, for the most part, at the same elevation on both sides and can flow through the strait in either direction, although the topography generally constricts the flow somewhat. In some straits, there is a dominant directional current. Most commonly, the strait is a narrow channel that lies between two land masses. Straits are loci for sediment accumulation, with sand-sized deposits usually occurring on the two strait exits, forming subaqueous fans or deltas. Some straits are not navigable because they are too narrow, too shallow, or due to the presence of a reef or archipelago.