Strait Of Gibraltar

Jim Dinh Christian BagayPeriod 6

Body of Water

Connects the Mediterranean sea with the Atlantic ocean

Connects the Atlantic ocean to the Indian ocean

Countries Involved

Spain, located north of the Strait

Morocco, located south of the Strait

United Kingdom, has control of the Gibraltar colony, located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula

Size of Strait

36 Miles long and and narrows between 8 miles between the countries of Spain and Morocco

Who its important to

It is Important to European countries around the Mediterranean because it is the only Strait that connects to the Atlantic from Europe.

It is also important to the countries of North America because it is an important trade route to the Indian ocean.

Impact of closing

If the strait was ever closed it would disrupt all trade between the Mediterranean and Atlantic

all trade between the Indian ocean and the Atlantic ocean would also be affected.

Values

During 1869 Gibraltar played a key role in the trade between the British and its oversea empire in India and its other eastern territories. It also played a key role as a Strategic naval point for the British during the battle of Trafalgar and the Crimean War of 1854-56

Today it is an Important trading strait for European countries and countries trading between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. It is still military Important as it is still a chocking point for Europe.

Advantages and Disadvantages

DisadvantagesOnly entrance from Mediterranean sea to Atlantic ocean

Small and narrow entrance

If closed it will take longer for supplies to travel from the Atlantic ocean to Mediterranean sea and from the Atlantic ocean to the Indian ocean

AdvantagesFaster trading route from Atlantic to Indian ocean.

Opening to the Mediterranean sea to the Atlantic ocean.

Entrance to Europe by water.

What goes through

Boats and ships go through to drop off and pick up shipment.

Other boats and ship go through to enter Spain and other European countries.

Commercial ships for passengers.

Influence of physical geography

- Only place in Europe that has monkeys, monkeys cross the strait of Gibraltar from Africa to the Iberian Peninsula

- Famous Rock Of Gibraltar

- 8 miles wide, the depth ranges between 980 – 3000 feet

- The average temperature is around 65F during the day and 59F at night.

Influence of Human geography

-Plans are underway to build a tunnel/bridge across the strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco. A combined effort between 2 publicly owned companies, are planning to join the 2 countries using a railroad, this has been underway since 2003 and are hoped to be fully functional by 2025.-During world war 2 miles of manmade tunnels were built inside the rock of Gibraltar, these tunnels were used fro military purposes and to build an underground city.