strait

A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water and separates two landmasses. Straits vary widely in width and depth, and they may form natural channels through archipelagos, between continents, or at the mouths of seas. They are distinct from bays, gulfs, and seas in that their primary function is to link two larger bodies of water and facilitate navigation.

Formation and characteristics of straits result from tectonic activity, sea-level fluctuations, erosion, and historical glacial processes. Some straits narrow because of rising land or sinking sea floors, while others cut through archipelagos as sea levels change. Currents in straits can be strong and complex, leading to tidal mixing, varying salinity, and unique ecological conditions. The exchange of water between the connected seas or oceans often affects climate, biology, and nutrient transport in the region.

Straits play a major role in navigation and trade, with several serving as critical chokepoints. Notable examples include the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Gibraltar, the Bosporus, and the Dover Strait. Because they link oceans or seas, many straits are governed by international law to balance freedom of navigation with safety and environmental protection. Some straits are heavily trafficked and economically significant, while others are remote and of primarily regional importance. In addition to their strategic and economic aspects, straits can influence local ecosystems and regional marine circulation.