A tropical sea between continents: very warm and very saline
Between Africa and the Middle East, the Red Sea is a tropical sea characterized by its warm waters and a very high salinity. In this extreme environment, extensive and spectacular coral communities thrive.
With an area of approximately 430,000 km², the Red Sea has a salt concentration of around 42‰ one of the highest among the world’s seas.
Why is it called the Red Sea?
The Red Sea gets its name from the occasional presence of a floating red algae, Trichodesmium erythraeum, which can cluster together forming reddish and pinkish patches visible on the surface of the water.
These blooms, although not permanent, have historically contributed to the name of this singular tropical sea.
A sea with almost no freshwater input
Evaporation and extreme salinity
The high salinity of the Red Sea is mainly due to two factors:
- The low freshwater input from rivers
- The high evaporation caused by the hot, dry climate of the region
This combination creates very particular conditions, to which only especially resistant organisms can adapt.
Unique species of the Red Sea
The fauna of the Red Sea is extraordinarily diverse. In fact, in some respects it is considered even richer in corals, fish and other marine organisms than the Indian Ocean itself.
Its relative isolation has favored the emergence of numerous endemic species, meaning species found only in this region of the world.
A reef of great value and fragility
The reefs of the Red Sea are one of the great treasures of the marine world. Their conservation is essential to protect this unique biodiversity and ensure the health of tropical ecosystems.
