Coast Guide TR

The Sea of Marmara

GULF
The Sea of Marmara

The Sea of Marmara is an internal sea; it separates Asian and European continents. It connects to the Aegean Sea via Dardanelles Strait, and to the Black Sea through the Bosporus Strait. Sea of Marmara is 110 miles long from north – south orientation and 35 miles wide from east to the west. The Sea of Marmara has an area of 11,500 km2 with greatest depth reaching 1270 meters. Marmara Sea is surrounded by mountains. The mountains on the southern shores are craggy, rise steeply from the sea. The south coast of the sea includes the Gulf of İzmit, the Gulf of Gemlik, Gulf of Bandırma and the Gulf of Erdek. The currents flow from east – west orientation. Istanbul Strait sea level is 0.4 meter higher than Dardanelles. Currents from the Black Sea reach the channel at full strength, but the rate is reduced in the Sea of Marmara and flow down to the Gulf of Izmit and extends to the Thracian side via Princess Island to Gelibolu and Dardanelles at the rate of 0.5 knots. Mediterranean water flows into Black Sea as part of a two – layer hydrological exchange. The Black Sea outflow is cooler and less saline, and flows over the warm, more saline Mediterranean inflow – as a result of differences in density. The Black Sea water level is higher, so water is being exchanged with the Mediterranean. The Straits connect the Black Sea with Aegean Sea. As Marmara Sea is an internal sea; it is affected by different climate conditions in the region. The climate on the northern part is moderate in winter. In the western Anatolia, mild Mediterranean climate can be found. The rainfall is around 500 – 100 mm. Rainfall is high during December – January and February. Annual average temperature is 14-16° C, The average temperature in summer months is 23-25° C and it is 5-6° C in winter. Northerly blowing winds are predominant and the northern shores get more wind. The southern part is sheltered from the headwinds. Prevailing wind blows stronger in July and August but it dyes off in June and September. Strong northerlies sometimes can become violent and they adversely affect boats. Violent winds and currents can affect boats cruising northward. It is highly recommended for boats to hug shore closely to reduce effects of northerly winds. Careful plotting is required especially in Dardanelles Strait. There is heavy vessel traffic and the strait is so narrow at some parts. Pay attention to the vessel tracking and separation buoys. All shallows and points have lights. The current in the strait sets to east – west orientation. Turkish Coastal Safety and Salvage Administration is having authority to run the traffic in the strait. The speed of vessels passing through the strait is 10 knots. In our system here, we explain the best places to dock and anchor. There are 8 marinas in the region. The bays around Princess and Marmara Islands are adequate anchorages with attractive settings. There are number of lighthouses in the region. Those on European shore emit green light, those on Anatolian side red. Marmara region is the smallest but most densely populated of the seven geographical regions of Turkey. The region possesses about 50% of the industrial production of the country. The airports in Istanbul afford connections to the most of the destinations in the world. Istanbul is the business and industrial center of Turkey. All sort of provisions and services are found. This magnificent city possesses an intense history along with its modern and developing identity. Istanbul is the bridge and connection to Europe.