The Black Sea, also known as the Euxine Sea, is an important geographical feature surrounded by a number of different countries and mountain ranges. It shares its borders with numerous countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. The sea is encompassed by various mountain ranges like the Pontic Mountains to the south, the Caucasus Mountains to the east, and the Crimean Mountains to the north.
The sea has an interesting connection to other bodies of water, forming a transitional zone between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea through the Turkish straits system. This system includes the Dardanelles, Bosporus, and Marmara Sea. Additionally, the Black Sea has a northern extension in the form of the Sea of Azov, which links to the Black Sea via the Strait of Kerch.
One significant aspect of the Black Sea’s biology is its anoxic water, meaning there is a substantial absence of oxygen within it.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Battlefield
The Black Sea region has been a central area in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The primary regions under Russian military control in Ukraine include the Donbass region and Crimea. The Donbass region comprises Donetsk and Luhansk and was captured by Russia in 2022.
Furthermore, in 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, which is located to the north of the Black Sea. Other areas where Russia has shown interest include Mariupol and Odessa. Specifically, Mariupol is a significant Sea of Azov port in Donetsk, whereas Odessa is situated to the west of Crimea.
Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits: The Control Hub
The strategic location of the Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits has made them crucial points of interest for several countries. Under the terms of the Montreux Convention, Turkey possesses a degree of control over the passage of warships from these straits. These straits play a crucial role in establishing a connective route between the Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea.
Naval Exercise ‘Sea Breeze’
The ‘Sea Breeze’ naval exercise is a joint military operation conducted by NATO states and their associates. It forms an integral part of the strategic military maneuvers that take place in the Black Sea region.
Environmental Concerns: The Sea of Marmara Incident
The Black Sea isn’t just a hub of geophysical and geopolitical significance – it also faces serious environmental issues. One particular concern relates to Turkey’s Sea of Marmara, which recently experienced the largest outbreak of ‘sea snot’. This environmental crisis underlines the pressing need to address maritime pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems within the region.
