The Caspian Sea is often referred to as both a sea and a lake, and it is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth. Geographically, it is considered a lake because it is landlocked and not directly connected to the world's oceans. However, due to its vast size and certain characteristics similar to seas, it is often referred to as the Caspian Sea.
The Caspian Sea plays a significant role in the economies and ecosystems of the countries surrounding it. It is a major source of oil and natural gas reserves, and fishing is an important industry in the region. The Caspian Sea also has unique biodiversity, with various species of plants and animals adapted to its specific conditions.
Overall, while it is technically a lake, the Caspian Sea is commonly referred to as a sea due to its size, location, and characteristics.
Caspian Sea on Map
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| Caspian Sea on World Map |
The Caspian Sea is situated between Europe and Asia and is bordered by five countries. Here's a description of the region's geography:
1. Northern Coast: The northern coast of the Caspian Sea is primarily in Russia. It stretches from the northeastern corner of the sea in the Russian Republic of Dagestan to the northwest near the city of Astrakhan. This coast is characterized by low-lying plains and deltas of several rivers, including the Volga.
2. Eastern Coast: The eastern coast of the Caspian Sea belongs to Kazakhstan. It extends from the northern tip of the sea near the Russian border to the southeastern shore. This coastline is mostly flat and includes the Mangyshlak Peninsula.
3. Southern Coast: The southern coast of the Caspian Sea is shared between Iran and Turkmenistan. It starts from the southeastern tip of the sea near Kazakhstan and extends to the southwestern edge. The coast features diverse landscapes, including rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and marshy areas.
4. Western Coast: The western coast of the Caspian Sea belongs to Azerbaijan. It spans from the southwestern tip near Iran to the northwestern edge. This coastline includes the Absheron Peninsula, where the capital city of Baku is located.
It's important to note that the Caspian Sea has no direct outlet to the world's oceans and is a landlocked body of water. The sea's shape is roughly oval, with a length of about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) and a width of approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) at its broadest point.
Rivers of Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea does not have any major rivers flowing into it. Instead, it receives water from several rivers, the most significant of which are:
1. Volga River: The Volga River is the largest and longest river in Europe, and it is the main source of freshwater inflow into the Caspian Sea. The Volga flows through Russia and empties into the northern part of the Caspian Sea. It plays a crucial role in the sea's hydrological balance.
2. Ural River: The Ural River forms the boundary between Russia and Kazakhstan and is another important tributary of the Caspian Sea. It flows through the western part of Kazakhstan and enters the Caspian Sea near the city of Atyrau.
3. Kura River: The Kura River flows through Georgia and Azerbaijan before entering the Caspian Sea. It is the main river in Azerbaijan and plays a significant role in the country's water supply and agriculture.
4. Terek River: The Terek River originates in the Caucasus Mountains and flows through Russia before emptying into the northeastern part of the Caspian Sea. It primarily drains the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.
These rivers, along with smaller tributaries, contribute freshwater to the Caspian Sea. The inflow of water from these rivers affects the sea's salinity levels and helps maintain its ecosystem and water balance.
