Ionian Sea the - Blue Growth Boat rides through the Ionian Sea 4. How to cite this article, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kefalonia Ionian islands The jewel in the crown when it comes to beaches on Kefalonia is the multi-awarded Myrtos. The winds are steady and strong, but they are also predictable, allowing you to chart and follow your course with ease. A number of beautiful islands are dotted throughout the sea, but the majority are on the east side . The Greek islands are broken down into clusters and six of these seven clusters can be found in the Aegean. So jump in and start snapping! Generally speaking, the more phytoplankton there are in the water, the greener it is. The Mediterranean Sea is the world's tenth-largest sea, spanning over 2.5 million km 2.It accounts for about 0.7% of the Global Ocean and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow strait known as the Strait of Gibraltar. Not all red tides show up as red water, but the ones that do are because of the presence of dinoflagellate organisms that are reddish in color. The Ionian Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, providing a brilliant backdrop to the vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem beneath the waves. The ocean may also take on green, red, or other hues as light bounces off of floating sediments and particles in the water. Greece Country Profile - National Geographic Kids Probably because there is a very good reason not to worry. Our luxury Ionian Sea villas offer the best vacation experience in the exclusive Ionian Sea holiday destination, for deluxe travelers who are after the real Greek Blue Experience!. The saltiness (called salinity) of the sea is not the same in all parts of the world. The islands of the Ionian Sea 5. Aegean Sea - WorldAtlas Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From the breathtaking beaches and mountain ranges to the fascinating ancient ruins and archaeological sites, the Ionian Sea has something to offer all travelers and nature lovers. The bluer colours, with shorter wavelengths, are less likely to be absorbed, giving the sea its blue hues. Why is the sea blue? Each one of them offers something different. In the deep sea, the ocean is dark. The sea is bounded by the island of Sicily, the Salento Peninsula, and Calabria of southern Italy, in the west. It can blow for a day or sometimes for an entire week. On the other side of Greece, it is a different story. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 54% of shark species that live in the Mediterranean are at an elevated risk of extinction. From the stunning scenery to the vibrant wildlife, there is something for everyone to discover in this stunning part of the Mediterranean. We, from Tubber, get that there is plenty to daydream about. Sure, water does reflect the sky on its surface: from the coast, it may appear blue on a sunny day, grey when it's stormy, or even show shades of pink during sunset. Near the equator, where temperatures are higher, more evaporation takes place and so the seawater has a higher concentration of salt. Light winds and sunshine make the Ionian an ideal cruising ground for sailors and families. The width of the Ionian Sea is 40 milesfrom Greece in the east to Italy in the west and northwest. Regulated by the Fundraising Regulator. Not only was it essential for commerce, but it also served as a critical theater of conflict during some of the ancient worlds most important wars and conflicts, such as the Persian Wars, the Punic Wars, and the Roman conquest of Greece. If you are looking for idyllic beaches, comfortable sailing conditions, and beautiful harmonious nature, then the Ionian islands are a perfect match for you. Western Greek Islands - Wikitravel Read our fundraising promise here. So why does the ocean have color when you look into, or across it? Enjoy the Ionian sun while swimming to the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Back in 2005, I published an article in BlueSci , Cambridge University's Science magazine, which publishes science-related articles on v NASA's major announcement on December 2nd is old news by now, but I decided to write something about it anyway. Ionian Sea | Islands, Location, Facts, Italy, & Map | Britannica Let us help you visualize your dream vacation by comparing the two areas that contain the most beautiful islands of Greece. Written by guest bloggerAlexandra Dimitriou. Due to historical facts the isolated islands of Kithera and Antikythera, south of the Peloponnese, are here included in this group. Footsteps of Cultural and Religious Inheritance. Here's how you know we're official. Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. The Ionian Sea has been a common location for different battles that were fought between Greece and Rome since ancient times. Relax & Unwind At These 34 Beaches In The Balkans Dallet Greece Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and is the southernmost country in Europe. As blue as the Adriatic. [2] Water is exchanged at the slowest of rates making the med as clear as a swarovski crystal. Private boat trip Corfu to Paxos and the Blue Caves. Why Is the Sea Blue? (2010), Gai et al. July 23, 2022by Robert Micheli. Read all tips and tricks about renting a boat, the most beautiful destinations and the latest news about boating and sailing holidays. The Aegean Sea is said to be named after King Aegeus in Greek mythology, the father of the famous Greek hero Theseus. He threw himself into the sea and drowned upon thinking that his son had died. From the sprawling coral reefs home to a kaleidoscope of colors to the abundant schools of fish that swim around its depths, the Ionian Sea is a true paradise for nature lovers and marine biologists. It is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, including the Apennines in Italy and the Pindus Mountains in Greece. For temperature, MAV and IAV are significantly lower than in current speed (MAV: highest values approximately 22% of the mean value, and IAV: 4% of the mean value). Jennifer Kennedy, M.S., is an environmental educator specializing in marine life. The sea often appears blue because of the way light interacts with the water. Related:Your Master Guide to All Greek Islands and How to Pick One. Join us on a day private cruise to discover the "hidden gems" of the Ionian coastline, to explore the island's secrets, to observe magical locations, to have fun and enjoy of course a pleasant day accompanied by the sun and the sea! 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/why-is-the-sea-blue-2291878. To some extent, the ocean also reflects the color of the sky. Both island groups have their own specific hyper-local cultures due to the different empires that have fought over these areas to conquer them. The Ionian Sea: A Comprehensive Guide - Grandgo The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the areas of the world where earthquakes occur very frequently. The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the areas of the world where earthquakes occur very frequently. There was an instance when a fisherman claimed he spotted a great white shark off the coast of Greece some 20 years ago, but it is now believed to have more likely been a small whale that lost its way. 1 / 7 Night falls over ancient ruins in Greece. The Ionian Sea is an absolute paradise, boasting a plethora of vibrant and diverse natural wonders and cultural heritage. Beyond its fine sand and shallow blue sea, Gerakas beach has significant ecological importance as a protected nesting site for the Caretta Caretta . For currents, Mean Annual Variability (MAV) is pronounced in large areas of the Ionian Sea, especially near both coasts (>60% of the mean value), while Inter-Annual Variability (IAV) seems to be less pronounced with the largest values (>30% of the mean value) are along the Italian coast and southwest of Cephalonia island, and the lowest along the Greek coast and off the Gulf of Taranto. The water is stunningly blue and its perfect for taking amazing photos! The Ionian Sea beyond is stunning, crystal clear and often studded with small boats. First of all, both island groups will give you a unique sailing experience that you wont easily forget. You'll see that the color of the sea in the Aegean looks deeper blue, whereas the Ionian appears mystically green/turquoise. This helps with the logistics of planning your Greek holiday and lets you decide which part of Greece will suit you best. Living things influence the colour, too. Adriatic blue at night, photo by Brotherside Until I moved to England. Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. Recent measurements have found a depth of 5,090 meters, 75 miles of Tenaro. The winds in the Ionian are remarkably consistent in the summer months. Youll find the Aegean islands in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey. Here is where the vast majority of water exchange occurs. Ionian Sea, Latin Mare Ionium, Italian Mare Ionio, part of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Albania (northeast), Greece (east), Sicily (southwest), and Italy (west and northwest). Thank you for some other informative blog. Ionian Sea - WorldAtlas Have you noticed that the ocean appears a different color in different regions? It is also home to a rich and varied array of marine life, including many fish species, crustaceans, mollusks, and other sea creatures. The only negative side of these conditions is that the fish tend to be smaller, but the waters never turn green and murky. Which is the nicest of the Ionian Islands? Abundant Adventures in a wide-ranging scene. Many of which you can still visit today. The Mediterranean Sea is considered to be a combination of different basins or seas. To learn more about how we use cookies and your options, please see our. The best beaches in the Ionian Sea Family vacation on Ionian Sea 2. As water molecules are better at absorbing light with longer wavelengths, they absorb much of the red, orange, yellow and green light. The Ionian Sea, known for its calm waters and mild winds, is ideal for those who love sailing or travelling by yacht. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. The result of all these factors is the clear, blue water that all mediterranean divers know and love so well. Coastal areas can sometimes look murky and brown as they contain sand from the seabed that has been churned up by waves. Author: NOAA Eptanissa in Greek means seven islands, hence this name for the Ionian islands. The western coast of Greece, including the islands Corfu, Lefkada and Cephalonia is very warm, with sea surface temperatures in 28-30 C range. Gai M, Borzelli GLE, Civitarese G, Cardin V, and Yari S (2010). Here you can learn more about the color of the ocean. The climate of the Ionian Sea is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it an excellent destination for outdoor activities and water sports. The Battle of Actium is a famous naval battle that was fought between Marc Antony and Octavian, took place in the Ionian Sea in 31 BCE. Youll see that the color of the sea in the Aegean looks deeper blue, whereas the Ionian appears mystically green/turquoise. Common thresher shark, blue shark, bluntnose sixgill shark and shortfin mako are the most observed species in Adriatic and Ionian seas, respectively. The southern Adriatic Sea is the traditional engine of the Eastern Mediterranean internal conveyor belt, which is the main and historical contributor to the deep and bottom waters of the Ionian and Levantine basins, from which the Adriatic Deep Water (ADW) exits crossing the Otranto Straits (Budillon et al., 2010). ThoughtCo, Apr. Nowadays this area contains famous party islands like Kos and Mykonos where youngsters from all over the world spend their holidays. Greece has the bigger charter fleet in the world. The fantastic view cross the straits between Lefkada and the mountains of the western mainland Greece, additional with the magical images of . My first reaction to the murky Brighton sea was one of shock. Interesting Ionian Sea Facts: The deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea is located in the Ionian Sea. Top 7 Reasons to Choose Greece for your Sailing Charter. The water is stunningly blue and it's perfect for taking amazing photos! The ocean is blue because water absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum. No1 Private Boat Trip Corfu To Paxos And The Blue Caves I The Corfu About The island of Lefkas is located right in the heart of the beautiful Ionian Sea. This body of water was one of the most important seas in Ancient times. It was once a bustling hub for trading and commerce, connecting Greece, Italy, and the Near East, allowing for exchanging goods, ideas, and knowledge. Because this sea surrounding Greece is so rich in beautiful island destinations it might be the perfect place to begin your exploration. Sure, they do have some trees here and there to provide some necessary shade. Slight SWE hint do visit the Balos Lagoon if you like warm water! The Aegean islands have a slightly cooler Mediterranean climate due to the strong wind and presence of the Aegean Sea. Ionian vs Aegean islands - Tubber Magazine Why is the Mediterranean Sea so Clear? - PADI Blog This group of islands consists of seven lush green islands that are very different in nature from the Aegean islands; you could even say they are quite opposites. The Ionian Sea is considered to be one of the worlds most seismically active locations. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The Mediterranean, while connected to the Atlantic Ocean, is almost entirely surrounded by land. A very calm wind that rises in the morning up to 4-5 bft and then in the evening eases again. The geology of the Ionian Sea is a complex yet fascinating one, with a variety of sedimentary, volcanic, and tectonic processes having combined over millions of years to form the seas unique geography. So, while Greece lies in the Mediterranean, there are two other important seas you need to know about. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The northern coast of the island is slightly warmer with sea surface temperature 28-29 C, while the southern coast is about 1 C cooler, 27-29 C. Sea animals suffer as 200-mile toxic algae bloom spreads. Is it because the sun is shining so brightly whenever you go on holiday there? The Ionian islands are the least windy (Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Kithira and Paxoi). Kennedy, Jennifer. Aegean Sea. Individual years are also used for the study of IAV. With its mild temperatures and plentiful marine life, the Ionian Sea is the perfect place to explore the wonders of the ocean and uncover the secrets of the deep. It is connected to the Adriatic Sea to the north, and is bounded by Southern Italy, including Calabria, Sicily, and the Salento peninsula to the west, southern Albania to the north, and the west coast of Greece, including the peninsula of The Peleponnese. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Also known as Cephalonia, Kefalonia is the largest of Ionian Islands and one of the most scenic. Top 5 Best Marine Navigation apps for sailors, The 10 Best Party Islands in the world You Need to Visit after Covid-19 Lockdown. I have a mission that Im just now working on, and I have been at the look out for such information. Here there is plenty of lush greenery, Italian influences, and fertile lands. Located on Greece's west coast, the Ionian Sea boasts turquoise waters, protected moorage, beaches, and long summers - and many tavernas! Island Gems in the Ionian Sea Placed about 10 minutes' ride from Nydri Waterfalls, the stunning 5-star Ionian Blue Hotel Lefkada Island includes views over the Ionian Sea. Greece, of course, is a Mediterranean country and it has a longer Mediterranean coastline than any other thanks to its plethora of islands. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Most nutrients are found in the bottom layers, but algae thrive in the top layers, where the sun shines, as they need light to grow. Hydrographic characteristics of water masses and circulation in the Northern Ionian Sea, Deep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography, 57(5), 441457, the APLABES Programme: Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Deep-Water Coral Ecosystems from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean). For wind speed, MAV is very high; the largest values (65% of the mean value) being in the southwestern part. In general, the Aegean is a bit colder than the Ionian. I suspected this explanation, but your narrative was vivid and a pleasure to read. The history of the Ionian Sea 8. Marine life and underwater magnificence. Yes, the climate of both archipelagos differs. Legal Drinking Age in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide, The 8 Most Irritating Individuals Youll Encounter at the Airport and Effective Strategies to Handle Them, The Best Ways to Travel from Florence to Pisa Your Complete Guide, 5 Unforgettable Travel Destinations in the Ionian Sea of Greece. Why is the ocean blue? - NOAA's National Ocean Service The largest island of the Ionian Islands is Kefalonia Island. Does the Ionian Sea have sharks? - Pleasefireme.com "Why Is the Sea Blue?" The Mediterranean is classified as oligotrophic. The climate of the Ionian Islands is a hot Mediterranean climate with temperatures quickly racking up mid 30. Luckily, there is always a gentle sea breeze present. Find out with these facts about our amazing oceans. Ionian or Cyclades Islands: How To Choose Between Greece's Most Why is the sea salty and why is the sea blue - The Wildlife Trusts Our site is an advertising supported site. Its estimated that 4 billion tons of salt enter the sea each year, but the ocean is not growing any saltier because a similar amount of salt is deposited on the ocean floor each year, so the salt level is fairly balanced. Notable underwater geological features of the sea include the Calabrian Arc and the Ionian Trench, which are of great scientific interest and importance. The colors that we see in the ocean are determined by what is in the water, and what colors it absorbs and reflects. The salinity of the water is more than 38 parts per thousand. That is because the phytoplankton contains chlorophyll. Combine that with the abundant sunshine, crystal clear blue sea, and you will understand why the Aegean Sea is such a popular destination for boaters. Its practically a lake if you look at it on the map, landlocked on all sides except for the Strait of Gibraltar under Spain. People come back here year after year. Updated on April 08, 2019 Have you ever wondered why the sea is blue? Related:The Best Quiet Greek Islands To Escape To. This is where the majority of the Greek islands can be found. Witness views dominated by the gorgeous blue sea, white chalk houses, and characteristic blue domes. Sea surface circulation variability in the Ionian-Adriatic Seas, Progress in Oceanography, 189, 102454. The Ionian versus the Aegean islands. And for those simply seeking a change of scenery, the Ionian Seas stunning beauty and vivid culture are sure to captivate and inspire. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. SINMOD model is a fully coupled ocean model with hydrodynamics, ecology, and sea ice, and it has been developed at SINTEF since 1987. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. What are the different straits and Gulfs found in the Ionian Sea? law of the sea, LOSC, maritime dispute, maritime law, custom of the sea, maritime claims, maritime boundaries, maritime map, maritime chart Christos Stefanakos, Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF Ocean. Some of the salt in the sea comes from undersea volcanoes and hydrothermal vents, but most of it comes from the land. It was so central to Western Civilisation that the name derives from the Latin word mediterraneus, meaning middle of the Earth. The major islands of Greece's Ionian Sea lived for centuries under Venetian rule and it shows in their castles and churches. Have you ever wondered why the sea is blue? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Discover Secret Hidden Gems of the Ionian Sea This is why we recommend this area for the more experienced sailor. The colour of the water also depends on other factors, such as what particles are floating in it. The scene is unsettling: hundreds of sea lions and dolphins are sprawled across the beaches in Southern .
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