Gibraltarsundet

Gibraltarsundet, known in English as the Strait of Gibraltar, is a narrow strait that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It separates the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and its British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, from Morocco in North Africa. The strait is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) wide at its narrowest point and has a maximum depth of about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Its strategic location has made it a crucial maritime passage for centuries, influencing trade, warfare, and cultural exchange.

The waters of the strait are characterized by a complex system of currents. A surface current flows from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean, carrying less saline water, while a deeper current flows from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic, carrying more saline water. This unique oceanographic feature supports a diverse marine ecosystem.

Historically, the strait has been a vital chokepoint, its control sought after by various empires and nations. Its name derives from the Rock of Gibraltar, a prominent limestone promontory on the European side, which in turn is named after Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber general who led the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD. The strait remains one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, with thousands of vessels passing through annually.