The “Red Sea,” also known as “Huang Hai” or “Xich Hai,” can be considered a small gulf of the Indian Ocean situated between Africa and Asia. The Red Sea connects to the ocean in the south via the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. To the north, it is bordered by the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez.
The Red Sea is approximately 1,900 km long, with its widest point exceeding 300 km. The seabed reaches a maximum depth of 2,500 m at the central trench and has an average depth of 500 m, but it also features a vast and shallow continental shelf, which is significant for marine life and coral. The surface area is about 438,000 – 450,000 km2.
Location of the Red Sea on the map.
The Red Sea is home to over 1,000 species of invertebrates and 200 types of hard and soft corals. It is part of the Great Rift Valley and is recognized as the northernmost tropical sea in the world.
Why is it called the Red Sea?
Historically, the Red Sea was referred to as the Arabian Gulf in most European documents until the 20th century. These names originated from ancient Greek sources. Both Herodotus, Strabo, and Ptolemy referred to these waters as Arabicus Sinus, while using the term Erythrias Sea (Red Sea) for the waters surrounding the southern Arabian Peninsula, which is now known as the Indian Ocean.
The name “Red Sea” does not refer to the color of its waters. It may be a reference to the seasonal bloom of a type of red algae called Trichodesmium erythraeum close to the surface water.
If you dive in the Red Sea during the algal bloom, you may see the water appearing red.
Others suggest that it refers to the nearby mineral-rich red mountains known as (harei edom).
Edom, meaning “red complexion,” is also a term in Hebrew referring to the red face of Esau in the Bible and to the people descended from him, the Edomites, which raises another possibility for the name Red Sea. There is also speculation that the name Red Sea originated from a mistranslation in the Biblical story of Exodus.
Diving in the Red Sea – (Photo: PLANEWARE.COM).
What is the Red Sea famous for?
The Red Sea is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. It has been an important route for trade and exploration throughout history, connecting different regions of Africa and the Middle East.
A Special Legend about the Red Sea
A famous story from the Catholic Bible recounts how Saint Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the Jewish people to cross and escape from the pursuing Egyptian army.
Can you swim in the Red Sea?
Yes. The Red Sea is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its beautiful underwater world, characterized by clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
