Strait of Gibraltar

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/strait-of-gibraltar

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How deep is the Strait of Gibraltar?900 meters (2,950 feet)
2. What is the geographic nexus?Connects the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, separating Europe and Africa
3. What is the jurisdictional control?Territorial waters of Spain, Morocco, and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar
4. Why is the Strait of Gibraltar important for ships?It is the only natural link between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, so many ships travel through it each day. It lets trade and travel between Europe and Africa happen quickly.
5. Where do the warm Mediterranean waters and cool Atlantic waters meet?They meet in the Strait of Gibraltar, where the warmer, less salty Mediterranean water flows out and the cooler, saltier Atlantic water flows in, creating strong currents.

Chokepoint: A strategic narrow passage that controls access between two larger bodies of water or land.
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): An international treaty that establishes a framework for maritime law and navigation rights.
Hydrographic: Relating to the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, and coastlines.
Maritime Traffic: The movement of ships and boats on the sea or other waterways.