Between Africa and Asia lies the Red Sea, which almost separates the two continents. The sea was named for the changing color of its water. Normally the Red Sea is a rich blue-green color. But when the red algae that live in the water die off, the color turns a reddish brown. The Red Sea contains some of the world's hottest and saltiest seawater.

Physical features

The Red Sea is an inland sea that extends from Suez, Egypt, southward for about 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) to the strait of Bab el-Mandeb. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the sea with the Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Aden in turn links with the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. At the northern end the Suez Canal provides a route between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

On the west side of the sea are the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea. On the east side of the sea are the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

The Red Sea covers an area of approximately 174,000 square miles (450,000 square kilometers). Its maximum width is about 190 miles (304 kilometers). The deepest waters are 9,974 feet (3,040 meters).

Economy

Major mineral resources found in the Red Sea include petroleum, sulfur, phosphates, gypsum, dolomite, and various heavy metals. There are also large deposits of sulfur and oil and natural gas near Jamsah Promontory in Egypt, where the Gulf of Suez branches off from the Red Sea.

The Red Sea is one of the world's busiest trade routes. With its connection to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, its ships carry passengers and goods between Europe and Asia.

Study and exploration

The Red Sea is one of the first large bodies of water mentioned in recorded history. It has been used for long-distance trade since the time of the early Egyptians in about 2000 BC, and it was used as a water route to India by about 1000 BC. The Phoenicians explored the shores of the Red Sea in about 600 BC.

A Muslim ruler first suggested building a deep canal between the Mediterranean and Red seas in about AD 800. However, the Suez Canal was not completed until 1869.

Much research has been done on the Red Sea in the 20th century, mostly since World War II. Notable research cruises have been conducted by the Swedish research vessel Albatross (1948) and the U.S. Glomar Challenger (1972). Several companies have also explored the seabed for oil deposits.