Cool Facts About the Black Sea
The Black Sea, an inland sea that borders Western Asia and Eastern Europe, has come a long way since its initial perception as inhospitable due to frequent storms. In modern times, the Black Sea serves as a significant hub for shipping, delivering crucial raw materials and food worldwide. Additionally, it has emerged as a prominent tourist destination.
While filming the Expendables 3, actor Jason Statham experienced a truck accident that plunged 60 feet into the Black Sea. Remarkably, he managed to swim out due to the removed doors.
The Black Sea boasts a fascinating underwater world with 60 preserved shipwrecks, some dating back to Alexander the Great and the Roman Trading Vessels. Notably, a 2,400-year-old Greek Trading Ship was discovered here.
Oxygen is present only in the upper layers of the Black Sea due to the rivers flowing into it. The lower layer, known as anoxic water, lacks oxygen.
Scientists have traced the blue eye mutation back to an ancestor who lived near the Black Sea over 10,000 years ago. The OCA2 gene is responsible for this change from brown eyes to blue.
During the Great Circassian Exile, Russian forces evicted the people of Northwestern Caucasia from their homeland. Many Circassians abstain from fish consumption due to their ancestors’ belief that fish devoured them.
The Black Sea was initially known as the , which meant “inhospitable sea.” It changed to its present name after colonies explored and found it favorable for navigation.
In 2010, the University of Leeds discovered an undersea river in the Black Sea. It is unique and possesses characteristics similar to ordinary watercourses.
The language spoken by the Circassian people, , resembles whistling and is now considered endangered with fewer than 10,000 speakers left.
The Black Sea is geographically isolated, making it highly susceptible to land-based human activity. However, small connections exist between it and other water bodies.
Some geologists argue that the Black Sea was a freshwater lake 7,000 years ago. Over time, floods from the Mediterranean Sea caused its depth to rise.
The snake island in the Black Sea belongs to Ukraine and is known as Zmiinyi Island or Serpent Island. Russia has claimed it during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite its mysterious allure, the Black Sea remains a popular tourist destination, especially for cruise ships that visit from April to October each year.
