Mediterranean Sea

Introduction
Physiographic and geologic features
- Natural divisions
- Geology
- Desiccation theory and bottom deposits
- Physiography
Hydrologic features and climate
- Hydrology
- Temperature and water chemistry
- Climate
Economic aspects
- Biological resources
- Mineral resources
- Transportation and tourism
- Impact of human activity
Study and exploration

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

Map of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding regions, showing physical features such as sea basins and depths, major coastal cities, country boundaries, and islands. The map includes a small locator inset highlighting the Mediterranean area within Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Low-lying coast on the Gulf of Tunis, at Al-Marsā, northeastern Tunisia.

Satellite view of Earth showing the continents of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, India, and the ice-covered region of Greenland at the top.

Exploring underwater caves at Calanques National Park

At a Glance

Mediterranean Sea summary

Quizzes

water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)

Water and its Varying Forms

1:116 Aquanauts: Underwater Treasure, divers searching for treasure underwater

International Waters

wave. ocean. Cresting ocean wave. Large sea waves. storm, hurricane, tropical cyclone

All About Oceans and Seas Quiz

Related Questions

How did the Danish Thor expedition contribute to Mediterranean Sea research?
How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 change Mediterranean Sea shipping?
How did the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope affect Mediterranean trade?
How do hot winds from the Sahara affect Mediterranean Sea surface water?
How do the Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea connect?
How does Atlantic Ocean water enter the Mediterranean Sea?
How does dense Mediterranean water flow back into the Atlantic Ocean?
How does dissolved oxygen vary among Mediterranean Sea water layers?
How does the Mediterranean Sea separate Europe from Africa?
How does the Strait of Gibraltar connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean?
How does the Strait of Otranto connect the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea?
How does the Suez Canal connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea?
How does the submarine ridge near Sicily divide the Mediterranean Sea?
How far does the Mediterranean Sea extend from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Gulf of Iskenderun?
How has pollution affected Mediterranean coastal waters?
How large is the Mediterranean Sea including the Sea of Marmara?
In which direction do the main currents circulate in the Mediterranean Sea basins?
What did the Mediterranean Action Plan aim to do?
What evidence caused scientists to reconsider the idea that the Mediterranean Sea once dried up completely?
Where are Mediterranean Sea tides especially large?
Where are the coldest surface waters in the Mediterranean Sea found?
Where are the warmest surface waters in the Mediterranean Sea found?
Which Mediterranean Sea regions have the highest primary production?
Which countries lie along the Adriatic Sea?
Which waterways connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea?
Why are volcanoes and earthquakes common in parts of the Mediterranean region?
Why are waters near the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea generally shallow?
Why did steamships help make the Mediterranean Sea a major trade route again?
Why do local eddies form in the Mediterranean Sea?
Why do long drift nets endanger dolphins and sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea?
Why does pollution often remain near its discharge source in the Mediterranean Sea?
Why does rainfall vary so widely around the Mediterranean Sea?
Why has overfishing damaged Mediterranean coastal fisheries?
Why is bluefin tuna valuable to Mediterranean fisheries?
Why is the eastern Mediterranean Sea warmer than the western Mediterranean Sea?
Why was the Mediterranean Sea important to early civilizations?
When did the British Empire begin?
What is the historical significance of Carthage in Tunisia?
Who was Hannibal in Tunisia?
What was the outcome of the Arab Spring in Tunisia?
How has Tunisia’s political system evolved since independence?
Why is Turkey now called Türkiye?
Where is Turkey located?
What languages are spoken in Turkey?
What are some important cultural traditions in Turkey?
What are some famous landmarks or ancient sites in Turkey?

Geography & Travel Physical Geography of Water Oceans & Seas

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External Websites

United Nations - The Mediterranean Sea: Cradle of Civilization

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Mediterranean Sea - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
Mediterranean Sea - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Mediterranean Sea

body of water

Written by

Mostafa Salah

Former Director, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Kayed Bey, Alexandria, Egypt. Author of numerous articles on oceanography.

Mostafa SalahAll

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026 •History

Mediterranean Sea, an intercontinental sea that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean on the west to Asia on the east and separates Europe from Africa. It has often been called the incubator of Western civilization. This ancient “sea between the lands” occupies a deep, elongated, and almost landlocked irregular depression lying between latitudes 30° and 46° N and longitudes 5°50′ W and 36° E. Its west-east extent—from the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco to...

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