Why in news?
The Red Sea, a key maritime passage between Africa and Asia, has been in the news for two reasons: a new scientific study revealed that it dried up about 6.2 million years ago before being refilled by a catastrophic flood, and current geopolitical tensions have underscored its importance for global shipping.
Geography and formation
- Location: The Red Sea is a narrow saltwater inlet of the Indian Ocean lying between northeastern Africa (Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti) and the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia and Yemen). It connects to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal in the north and to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea in the south.
- Origin: The sea was formed around 30 million years ago when the African and Arabian tectonic plates began to separate. Continuous rifting created a deep trough that filled with seawater.
- Size and depth: It is about 2,250 kilometres long, up to 350 kilometres wide and covers roughly 450,000 square kilometres. The deepest point reaches about 3,040 metres.
- Environmental conditions: High evaporation and limited river inflow give the Red Sea some of the saltiest seawater in the world. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, supporting vibrant coral reefs.
Recent scientific insights
Researchers have found evidence that the Red Sea almost completely dried up during the Miocene epoch, forming a dry salt basin. A massive flood from the Mediterranean later breached the land barrier at Bab al Mandab, refilling the basin in less than 100,000 years. This event carved deep channels and allowed marine life to return. Understanding this history helps scientists predict how future climate and tectonic changes could reshape ocean basins.
Strategic and economic importance
- Global trade route: The Red Sea forms part of the shortest maritime link between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal, carrying about 10 percent of world trade.
- Economic activities: Tourism (diving and cruises), fishing and port services provide livelihood to countries along its shores.
- Geopolitical hotspot: The narrow Bab al Mandab strait at the southern end is a choke point where piracy, conflict and great power rivalry often intersect.