Black Sea 3386 226159157 2008-07-17T02:24:15Z 150.203.69.27 typos and phraseology corrected {{otheruses}} {{FixHTML|beg}} [[Image:Black Sea map.png|thumb|right|250px|Map of the Black Sea]] {{fixHTML|mid}} [[Image:Black-Sea-NASA.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Illustration of the Black Sea]] {{FixHTML|end}} The Black Sea is a marginal water body, connected to the [[Atlantic]] Ocean via the [[Sea_of_Marmara|Marmara]] and [[Mediterranean Sea]]s. The Black Sea has an area of {{km2 to mi2|436400|wiki=yes|abbr=yes}},<ref>436,400 km²&mdash;{{cite web |title=Black Sea Geography |work=University of Delaware College of Marine Studies |url=http://www.ocean.udel.edu/blacksea/geography/index.html |date=2003 |accessmonthday=December 2 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> and a maximum depth of {{convert|2200|m|abbr=on}}.)<ref>{{cite web |title=Unexpected changes in the oxic/anoxic interface in the Black Sea |work=Nature Publishing Group |url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v338/n6214/abs/338411a0.html |date=1989-03-30 |accessmonthday=December 2 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> The Black Sea forms in an east-west trending elliptical depression which lies between [[Bulgaria]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Romania]], [[Russia]], [[Turkey]], and [[Ukraine]] .<ref>Socio-economic indicators for the countries of the Black Sea basin. (2001). In UNEP/GRID-Arendal Maps and Graphics Library. Retrieved [[2 December]] [[2006]] from http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/sosio_economic_indicators_for_the_countries_of_the_black_sea_basin_giwa.</ref>. It is constrained by the [[Pontic]] mountain range to the south, the [[Caucasus]] mountain range to the east and features a wide shelf to the north-west. Important cities along the coast include: [[Constanţa]] (306,000 with a metro of 550,000), [[Istanbul]] (11,372,613), [[Odessa]] (1,001,000), [[Mangalia]] (41,153), [[Burgas]] (229,250), [[Varna]] (357,752 with a metro of 416,000), [[Kherson]] (358,000), [[Sevastopol]] (379,200), [[Yalta]] (80,552), [[Kerch]] (158,165), [[Novorossiysk]] (281,400), [[Sochi]] (328,809), [[Sukhumi]] (43,700), [[Năvodari]] (34,669), [[Poti]] (47,149), [[Batumi]] (121,806), [[Trabzon]] (275,137), [[Samsun]] (439,000) [[Ordu]] (190,143) and [[Zonguldak]] (104,276). The Black Sea has a positive water balance, which results in a net outflow of water 300km³ per year through the [[Bosphorus]] into the [[Aegean]] Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea). Mediterranean water flows into the Black Sea as part of a 2-way hydrological exchange. The Black Sea outflow is less [[saline]] and cool, therefore floats over the warm, relatively more saline Mediterranean inflow. The Black Sea also receives river water from large [[Eurasia]]n [[fluvial]] systems to the north of the Sea, of which the [[Don]], [[Dniester]] and [[Danube]] are the most significant. In the past, the water level has varied signifcantly. Depending on the water level in the basin, more of less of the surrounding shelf and associated aprons are aerially exposed. At certain critical depths, it is possible for connections with surrounding water bodies to become established. It is through the most active of these connective routes, the Turkish Straits System (TSS), that the Black Sea joins the global ocean system. When this hydrological link not present, the Black Sea is a lake, operating independently of the global ocean system. Currently the Black Sea water level is relatively high, thus water is being exchanged with the [[Mediterranean]]. The TSS connects the Black and Aegean Seas and comprises the Strait of [[Bosphorus]] Strait (Strait of Istanbul), the Marmara sea and the Strait of [[Dardanelles]] (Strait of Canakkale). The Black Sea also connects to the [[Sea of Azov]] via the [[Strait of Kerch]] ==Name== Modern names of the Sea are equivalents of the English name, "Black Sea", including [[Greek language|Greek]] ''Mavri Thalassa'' (Μαύρη Θάλασσα), [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] ''Cherno more'' (Черно море), [[Georgian language|Georgian]] ''Shavi zghva'' (შავი ზღვა), [[Laz language|Laz]] ''Ucha Zuğa'', or simply ''Zuğa'' 'Sea', [[Romanian language|Romanian]] ''Marea Neagră'', [[Russian language|Russian]] ''Chornoye more'' (Чёрное море), [[Turkish language|Turkish]] ''Karadeniz'', [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] ''Chorne more'' (Чорне море), [[Ubykh language|Ubykh]] {{IPA|/ʃʷaʤa/}}. This name cannot be traced to an earlier date than the thirteenth century, but there are indications that it may be considerably older. [[Image:Cirmea Laspi Sunset.JPG|thumb|left|280px|Sunset on the Black Sea at Lapsi]] [[Image:Batumi port2.jpg|thumb|left|280px| Port [[Batumi]], Georgia]] [[Strabo]]'s Geography (1.2.10) reports that in antiquity, the Black Sea was often just called "the Sea" (''ho pontos''). For the most part, Graeco-Roman tradition refers to the Black Sea as the 'Hospitable sea', ''Euxeinos Pontos'' ({{Polytonic|Εὔξεινος Πόντος}}). This is a [[euphemism]] replacing an earlier 'Inhospitable Sea', ''Pontos Axeinos'', first attested in [[Pindar]] (early fifth century BCE,~475 BC). Strabo (7.3.6) thinks that the Black Sea was called "inhospitable" before Greek colonization because it was difficult to navigate, and because its shores were inhabited by savage tribes; and that the name was changed to "hospitable" after the [[Milesians (Greek)|Milesians]] had colonized, making it part of Greek civilization. It is also possible that the name ''Axeinos'' arose by [[Folk etymology|popular etymology]] from a [[Scythian]] [[Iranic]] ''axšaina-'' 'unlit,' 'dark'; the designation "Black Sea" may thus date from Antiquity. The reason for the name may be an ancient assignment of colours to the direction of the compass &mdash; black referring to the north, and red referring to the south. [[Herodotus]] on one occasion uses [[Red Sea]] and Southern Sea interchangeably.<ref>Schmitt 1996</ref> Another possible explanation comes from the colour of the Black Sea's deep waters. Being further north than the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and much less saline, the [[algae|microalgae]] concentration is much richer, causing the dark colour. Visibility in the Black Sea is on average approximately five meters (5.5&nbsp;[[Yard|yd]]), as compared to up to thirty-five meters (38&nbsp;yd) in the Mediterranean. One [[Bulgaria]]n understanding of the name is that the sea used to be quite stormy. Some sources stipulate that it goes back to the time of [[Noah's Ark]]. The [[Black Sea deluge theory]] is based on that idea. In [[naval science]], the Black Sea is thought to have received its name because of its [[hydrogen sulfide]] layer that begins about 200 meters below the surface, and supports a unique microbial population which produces black sediments probably due to anaerobic methane oxidation. ==Geology and bathymetry==<!--[[Pontic littoral]] redirects to this section title --> [[Image:Sudak vlasenko.jpg|thumb|250px|Bay of [[Sudak]].]] The geological origins of the basin can be traced back to two distinct relict [[back-arc basins]] which were initiated by to the splitting of an [[Albian]] [[volcanic arc]] and the [[subduction]] of both the Paleo-and Neo-[[Tethys]] Oceans, but the timings of these events remain controversial <ref>McKenzie, D. P. (1970). "Plate Tectonics of the Mediterranean Region." Nature 226(5242): 239-243.</ref><ref>McClusky, S., S. Balassanian, et al. (2000). "Global Positioning System constraints on plate kinematics and dynamics in the eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus." Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth 105(B3): 5695-5719.</ref>. Since its initiation, compressional tectonic environments led to [[subsidence]] in the basin, interspersed with extensional phases resulting in large-scale [[volcanism]] and numerous [[orogeny|orogenies]], causing the uplift of the Great [[Caucasus]], [[Pontides]], Southern [[Crimea]] and [[Balkan]]ides mountain ranges. The ongoing collision between the [[Eurasian]] and [[African]] plates and westward escape of the [[Anatolian]] block along the North and East Anatolian [[Faults]] dictates the current tectonic regime <ref>Shillington, D. J., N. White, et al. (2008). "Cenozoic evolution of the eastern Black Sea: A test of depth-dependent stretching models." Earth and Planetary Science Letters 265(3-4): 360-378.</ref>, which features enhanced subsidence in the Black Sea basin and significant volcanic activity in the Anatolian region <ref>Nikishin, A. M., M. V. Korotaev, et al. (2003). "The Black Sea basin: tectonic history and Neogene-Quaternary rapid subsidence modelling." Sedimentary Geology 156(1-4): 149-168.</ref>. It is these geological mechanisms which, in the long term, have caused the periodic isolations of the Black Sea from the rest of the global ocean system. The modern basin is divided into 2 sub-basins by a convexity extending south from the Crimean Peninsula. The large shelf to the north of the basin is up to 190 km wide, and features a shallow apron with gradients between 1:40 and 1:1000. The southern edge around [[Turkey]] and the western edge around [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], however, are typified by a shelf that rarely exceeds 20 km in width and an apron that is typically 1:40 gradient with numerous submarine canyons and channel extensions. The Euxine abyssal plain in the centre of the Black Sea reaches a maximum depth of 2,206 m just south of Yalta on the Crimean Peninsula <ref>Degens, E. T. a. R., D. A. (1974). Recent sediments of the Black Sea. The Black Sea - Geology, Chemistry and Biology. E. T. a. R. Degens, D. A. Tulsa. 20: 183-199.</ref>. The [[littoral zone]] of the Black Sea is often referred to as the '''Pontic littoral'''. ==Hydrology and hydrochemistry== [[Image:BlackSea-1.A2003105.1035.250m.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Satellite view of the Black Sea, taken by [[NASA]] [[MODIS]].]] The Black Sea is the world’s largest [[meromictic]] basin where the deep waters do not mix with the upper layers of [[water]] that receive [[oxygen]] from the atmosphere. As a result, over 90% of the deeper Black Sea volume is [[Anoxic sea water|anoxic water]]. The current hydrochemical configuration is primarily controlled by basin topography and [[fluvial]] inputs, which result in a strongly stratified vertical structure and a positive water balance. The upper layers are generally cooler, less dense and less salty than the deeper waters, as they are fed by large fluvial systems, whereas the deep waters originate from the warm, salty waters of the Mediterranean. This influx of dense water from Mediterranean is balanced by an outflow of fresher Black Sea surface-water into the Marmara Sea, maintaining the stratification and [[salinity]] levels. The surface water has an average salinity of 18 to 18.5&nbsp;[[Parts per notation|parts per thousand]] (compared to 30 to 40 for the oceans) and contains [[oxygen]] and other nutrients required to sustain biotic activity. These waters circulate in a basin-wide cyclonic shelfbreak [[gyre]] known as the Rim Current which transports water round the perimeter of the Black Sea. Within this feature, two smaller cyclonic gyres operate, occupying the eastern and western sectors of the basin. Outside the Rim Current, numerous quasi-permanent coastal eddies are formed due to upwelling around the coastal apron and ‘wind curl’ mechanisms. The intra-annual strength of these features is controlled by seasonal atmospheric and fluvial variations. The temperature of the surface waters varies seasonally from {{convert|8|°C|abbr=on|lk=on}} to {{convert|30|°C}}. Directly beneath the surface waters the Cold Intermediate Layer (CIL) is found. This layer is composed of cool, salty surface waters, which are the result of localised atmospheric cooling and decreased fluvial input during the winter months. The production of this water is focussed in the centre of the major gyres and on the NW shelf and as the water is not dense enough to penetrate the deep waters, [[isopycnal]] [[advection]] occurs, dispersing the water across the entire basin. The base of the CIL is marked by a major [[thermocline]], [[halocline]] and [[pycnocline]] at {{nowrap|~100-200 m}} and this density disparity is the major mechanism for isolation of the deep water. Below the pycnocline, salinity increases to 22 to 22.5&nbsp;ppt and temperatures rise to around {{convert|8.5|°C}}. The hydrochemical environment shifts from oxygenated to anoxic, as bacterial decomposition of sunken biomass utilises all of the free oxygen. Certain species of [[extremophile]] bacteria are capable of using [[sulfate]] (SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2&minus;</sup>) in the [[redox|oxidation]] of organic material, which leads to the creation of [[hydrogen sulfide]] (H<sub>2</sub>S). This enables the precipitation of [[sulfide]]s such as the iron sulphides [[pyrite]], [[greigite]] and iron monosulphide, as well as the dissolution of carbonate matter such as [[calcium carbonate]] (CaCO<sub>3</sub>), found in shells. Organic matter, including anthropogenic artefacts such as boat hulls, are well preserved. During periods of high surface productivity, short-lived algal blooms form organic rich layers known as [[sapropel]]s. Scientists have reported an annual phytoplankton bloom that can be seen in many NASA images of the region.<ref>[http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?img_id=3669 Black Sea Becomes Turquoise] earthobservatory.nasa.gov. Retrieved [[2 December]] [[2006]].</ref> The anoxic layer could pose a threat to people in the event of a small asteroids impact into the Black Sea. Recently modelling shows there is a significant threat to life for people living on the Black Sea coast.<ref>R.D. Schuiling, R.B. Cathcart, V. Badescu, D. Isvoranu and E. Pelinovsky, "Asteroid impact in the Black Sea. Death by drowning or asphyxiation?", Natural Hazards (October 2006) DOI: 10.1007/s11069-006-0017-7</ref> == Ecology == The Black Sea supports a complex ecology in its upper waters, characterised by quasi-[[endemic]] species which thrive in the fresher surface waters, as well as cosmopolitan [[stenohaline]] and [[euryhaline]] species. The fluvial systems draining [[Eurasia]] and central [[Europe]] introduce large volumes of nutrients in the Black Sea, but distribution of these nutrients is controlled by the degree of physiochemical stratification, which is in turn dictated by seasonal physiographic development<ref>Oguz, T., H. W. Ducklow, et al. (1999). "A physical-biochemical model of plankton productivity and nitrogen cycling in the Black Sea." Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 46(4): 597-636.</ref>. [[Phytoplankton]] blooms occur in surface waters throughout the year, most reliably in the form of a [[Diatom]] bloom during March<ref>Sorokin, Y. I. (1983). The Black Sea. Estuaries and Enclosed Seas. Ecosystem of the World. B. H. Ketchum. New York, Elsevier: 253-292.</ref>. However, subsurface productivity is limited by nutrient availability, as the [[anoxic]] bottom waters act as a sink for [[reduced]] [[nitrate]], in the form of [[ammonia]]. Some [[chemosynthetic]] productivity occurs in the bottom waters, estimated at ~10% of [[photosynthetic]] productivity<ref>Deuser, W. G. (1971). "ORGANIC-CARBON BUDGET OF BLACK SEA." Deep-Sea Research 18(10): p995</ref>. {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} <center><gallery> Image:black_sea_fauna_jelly_01.jpg|Jellyfish, near Romanian coast. Image:black_sea_fauna_actinia_01.jpg|Actinia, near Romanian coast. Image:black_sea_fauna_actinia_02.JPG|Actinia, near Romanian coast. Image:black_sea_fauna_goby_01.jpg|Goby, near Romanian coast. Image:black_sea_fauna_stingray_01.jpg|Stingray, near Romanian coast. Image:Black_sea_mullus_barbatus_ponticus_01.jpg|Goat fish, near Romanian coast. Image:Black_sea_fauna_hermit_crab_01.JPG|Hermit crab, near Romanian coast. Image:Black_sea_fauna_blue_sponge.jpg|Blue sponge (?), near Romanian coast. Image:Spiny_dogfish.jpg|Spiny Dogfish [http://www.sharkalliance.org/content.asp?did=886&backto=u_search3.asp&curpage=&search=black%20sea: (Black Sea Sharks at Risk)] </gallery></center> ==Climatic Setting== Short-term climatic variation in the Black Sea region is significantly influenced by the operation of the [[North Atlantic Oscillation]] (NAO), which is a term used to describe the climatic mechanisms resulting from the interaction between the north Atlantic and mid-latitude air masses <ref>Hurrell, J. W. (1995). "DECADAL TRENDS IN THE NORTH-ATLANTIC OSCILLATION - REGIONAL TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION." SCIENCE 269(5224): 676-679.</ref>. While the exact mechanisms causing the NAO remain unclear <ref>Lamy, F. H. W. A. G. C. B. A. B. and J. Pätzold (2006). "Multicentennial-scale hydrological changes in the Black Sea and northern Red Sea during the Holocene and the Arctic/North Atlantic Oscillation." Paleoceanography 21: PA1008.</ref>, it is thought the climate conditions established in western Europe mediate the heat and precipitation fluxes reaching Central Europe and Eurasia, regulating the formation of winter [[cyclones]], which are largely responsible for regional [[precipitation]] inputs <ref>Turkes, M. (1996). "Spatial and temporal analysis of annual rainfall variations in Turkey." International Journal of Climatology 16(9): 1057-1076.</ref> and influence Mediterranean Sea Surface Temperatures (SST's) <ref>Cullen, H. M., A. Kaplan, et al. (2002). "Impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation on Middle Eastern climate and streamflow." Climatic Change 55(3): 315-338.</ref>. The relative strength of these systems also limits the amount of cold air arriving from northern regions during winter <ref>Ozsoy, E. and U. Unluata (1997). "Oceanography of the Black Sea: a review of some recent results." Earth-Science Reviews 42: 231-272.</ref>. Other influencing factors include the regional [[topography]], as depressions and storms systems arriving from the [[Mediterranean]] are funneled through the low land around the [[Bosphorus]],[[Pontic]] and [[Caucasus]] mountain ranges acting as wave guides, limiting the speed and paths of cyclones passing through the region <ref>Brody, L. R., Nestor, M.J.R. (1980). Regional Forecasting Aids for the Mediterranean Basin. Handbook for Forecasters in the Mediterranean, Naval Research Laboratory. 2.</ref> == Mediterranean connection during the Holocene == {{main|Black Sea deluge theory}} [[Image:Istambul and Bosporus big.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The Bosporus, taken from the [[International Space Station|ISS]].]] [[Image:Dardanelles map2.png|thumb|right|200px|Map of the Dardanelles.]] While it is agreed that the Black Sea has been a freshwater [[lake]] (at least in upper layers) with a considerably lower level during the [[Ice Age|last glaciation]], its post glacial development into a marine sea is still a subject of intensive study and debate. There are catastrophic scenarios such as put forward by [[William Ryan|William Ryan (geologist)]] and [[Walter Pitman (geologist)|Walter Pitman]] as well as models emphasizing a more gradual transition to saline conditions and transgression in the Black Sea. They are based on different theories about the level the freshwater lake had reached by the time the Mediterranean Sea was high enough to flow over the [[Dardanelles]] and the [[Bosporus]]. On the other hand, a study of the sea floor on the Aegean side shows that in the 8th millennium BC there was a large flow of fresh water out of the Black Sea.<ref>[[New Scientist]], [[4 May]] [[2002]], p.13.</ref> In a series of expeditions, a team of marine archaeologists led by [[Robert Ballard]] identified what appeared to be ancient shorelines, freshwater snail shells, drowned river valleys, tool-worked timbers, and man-made structures in roughly {{convert|300|ft|m}} of water off the Black Sea coast of modern [[Turkey]]. [[Radiocarbon dating]] of freshwater mollusc remains indicated an age of about seven thousand years. ==Deluge theory== {{main|Black Sea deluge theory}} In 1997, William Ryan and Walter Pitman from [[Columbia University]] published a theory that a massive flood through the [[Bosporus]] occurred in ancient times. They claim that the Black and [[Caspian Sea]]s were vast freshwater lakes, but then about 5600 BC, the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] spilled over a rocky sill at the Bosporus, creating the current communication between the Black and Mediterranean Seas. Subsequent work has been done both to support and to discredit this theory, and archaeologists still debate it. This has led some to associate this catastrophe with prehistoric [[Deluge (mythology)|flood myths]]. == History == [[Image:Diego-homem-black-sea-ancient-map-1559.jpg|thumb|left|Medieval map of the Black Sea]] [[Image:Aivaz theodosia.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Ivan Aivazovsky]]. ''Black Sea Fleet in the Bay of Theodosia'', just before the [[Crimean War]].]] The Black Sea was a busy waterway on the crossroads of the ancient world: the Balkans to the West, the Eurasian steppes to the north, Caucasus and Central Asia to the East, Asia Minor and Mesopotamia to the south, and Greece to the south-west. The oldest processed gold in the world, arguably left by Old Europeans, was found in Varna, and the Black Sea was supposedly sailed by the [[Argonauts]]. The land at the eastern end of the Black Sea, [[Colchis]], (now [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]), marked for the Greeks an edge of the known world. The steppes to the north of the Black Sea have been suggested as the original homeland (''[[Urheimat]]'') of the speakers of the [[Proto-Indo-European language]], (PIE) the progenitor of the [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European language]] family, by some scholars (see [[Kurgan]]; others move the heartland further east towards the [[Caspian Sea]], yet others to [[Anatolia]]). Numerous ancient ports line Black Sea's coasts, some older than the pyramids<ref>http://chadparmet.home.comcast.net/~chadparmet/BlackSea/overview/blacksea.html</ref>. Ancient trade routes in the region are currently being extensively studied by American, Bulgarian, and other scientists. It is widely believed that the Black Sea is packed with archaeology to be found. Perhaps the most promising areas in deepwater archaeology are the quest for submerged prehistoric settlements in the continental shelf and for ancient shipwrecks in the anoxic zone, which are expected to be exceptionally well preserved due to the absence of oxygen. The Black Sea has witnessed the rivalries of [[Hittites]], [[Carians]], [[Thracians]], Greeks, [[Persians]], [[Scythians]], [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Byzantines]], [[Goths]], [[Huns]], [[Avars]], [[Bulgars]], [[Slavs]], [[Varangians]], [[Crusaders]], [[Venetians]], [[Genovese]], [[Tatars]], [[Ottomans]], and [[Russians]]. The Black Sea was a significant naval theatre of [[Naval warfare of World War I#Black Sea|World War I]] and saw both naval and land battles of the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|World War II]]. {{clear}} ==Holiday resorts and spas== [[Image:sochi edited.jpg|right|thumb|right|250px|Photo of the Black Sea near Gagra, taken in 1915.]] [[Image:Cities of the Black Sea.png|thumb|right|250px|Cities of the Black Sea.]] In the years following the end of the [[Cold War]], the popularity of the Black Sea as a [[Tourism|tourist]] destination has been steadily increasing, particularly in [[Bulgaria]]. Overall, tourism at Black Sea resorts has become one of the region's growth industries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bulgariansearesorts.com/ |title=Bulgarian Sea Resorts |accessdate=2007-02-02 |format= |work= }}</ref> The following is a list of well-known Black Sea [[resort]]s: {{columns |width=20em |col1 = *[[2 Mai]] (Romania) *[[Agigea]] (Romania) *[[Ahtopol]] (Bulgaria) *[[Anapa]] (Russia) *[[Albena]] (Bulgaria) *[[Alupka]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Alushta]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Balchik]] (Bulgaria) *[[Batumi]] (Georgia) *[[Burgas]] (Bulgaria) *[[Byala, Varna Province|Byala]] (Bulgaria) *[[Constantine and Helena]] (Bulgaria) *[[Corbu, Constanţa|Corbu]] (Romania) *[[Costineşti]] (Romania) *[[Eforie|Eforie Nord]] (Romania) *[[Eforie|Eforie Sud]] (Romania) *[[Emona (Burgas)|Emona]] (Bulgaria) *[[Eupatoria]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Feodosiya]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Giresun]] (Turkey) *[[Gagra]] (Abkhazia, Georgia<sup>1</sup>) *[[Gelendzhik]] (Russia) *[[Golden Sands]] (Bulgaria) *[[Gonio]] (Georgia) *[[Gurzuf]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Jupiter, Romania|Jupiter]] (Romania) *[[Kamchia]] (Bulgaria) *[[Kavarna]] (Bulgaria) *[[Kiten, Bulgaria|Kiten]] (Bulgaria) *[[Kobuleti]] (Georgia) *[[Koktebel]] (Crimea, Ukraine) |col2 = *[[Lozenetz]] (Bulgaria) *[[Mamaia]] (Romania) *[[Mangalia]] (Romania) *[[Năvodari]] (Romania) *[[Neptun, Romania|Neptun]] (Romania) *[[Nesebar]] (Bulgaria) *[[Novorossiysk]] (Russia) *[[Ordu]] (Turkey) *[[Obzor]] (Bulgaria) *[[Odessa]] (Ukraine) *[[Olimp, Romania|Olimp]] (Romania) *[[Pitsunda]] (Abkhazia, Georgia<sup>1</sup>) *[[Pomorie]] (Bulgaria) *[[Primorsko]] (Bulgaria) *[[Rize]] (Turkey) *[[Rusalka, Bulgaria|Rusalka]] (Bulgaria) *[[Samsun]] (Turkey) *[[Saturn, Romania|Saturn]] (Romania) *[[Sinop (Turkey)|Sinop]] (Turkey) *[[Sochi]] (Russia) *[[Sozopol]] (Bulgaria) *[[Sudak]] (Crimea, Ukraine) *[[Sulina]] (Romania) *[[Sunny Beach]] (Bulgaria) *[[Şile]] (Turkey) *[[Sveti Vlas]] (Bulgaria) *[[Trabzon]] (Turkey) *[[Tuapse]] (Russia) *[[Vama Veche]] (Romania) *[[Venus, Romania|Venus]] (Romania) *[[Yalta]] (Crimea, Ukraine) }} <sup>1</sup> [[Abkhazia]] has been a ''[[de facto]]'' independent republic since 1992, although remains a ''[[de jure]]'' autonomous republic of Georgia. ==Regional organizations== {| style="width:500px" |- |[[Image:BSEC members.png|right|thumb|280px|[[Black Sea Economic Cooperation]] (BSEC) {{legend|#ff7f40|members}} {{legend|#00ff00|observers}}]] || [[Image:GUAM members.png|right|thumb|280px|[[GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development]]]] |- |[[Image:CDC members.png|right|thumb|280px|[[Community of Democratic Choice]] (CDC) {{legend|#ff7f40|members}} {{legend|#00ff00|observers}}]] || [[Image:BSF members.png|right|thumb|280px|[[Black Sea Forum for Partnership and Dialogue]] (BSF) {{legend|#ff7f40|members}} {{legend|#00ff00|observers}}]] |- |} See also the [[Balkans#Regional organizations|Balkans Regional organizations]] and [[Post-Soviet states#Regional organizations|Post-Soviet Regional organizations]] ==See also== [[Image:Ostrvo.gif|thumb|right|400px|The [[Bulgarian Black Sea Coast|Bulgarian coastline]]]] * [[Anoxic event]] * [[Black Sea deluge theory]] * [[Bulgarian Black Sea Coast]] * [[Black Sea Romanian resorts|Romanian Black Sea Coast]] * [[Ancomah]] * [[Tourism]] * [[1927 Crimean earthquakes]] ==References and bibliography== {{reflist}} * [[Charles King (author)|Charles King]], ''The Black Sea: A History'', 2004, ISBN 0-19-924161-9 * William Ryan and Walter Pitman, ''Noah's Flood'', 1999, ISBN 0-684-85920-3 * [[Neal Ascherson]], ''Black Sea'' (Vintage 1996), ISBN 0-09-959371-8 * [[Özhan Öztürk]]. Karadeniz: Ansiklopedik Sözlük (Black Sea: Encyclopedic Dictionary). 2 Cilt (2 Volumes). Heyamola Publishing. Istanbul.2005 ISBN 975-6121-00-9. * Rüdiger Schmitt, "Considerations on the Name of the Black Sea", in: ''Hellas und der griechische Osten'' (Saarbrücken 1996), pp. 219–224 * West, Stephanie. "‘The Most Marvellous of All Seas’: the Greek Encounter with the Euxine", ''Greece & Rome'', Vol.&nbsp;50, Issue&nbsp;2 (2003), pp.&nbsp;151–167. </div> ==External links== {{commonscat|Black Sea}} <!-- Please do not add commercial links (or links to your own private websites) to Wikipedia. Wikipedia is not]] a vehicle for advertising or a mere collection of external links. You are, however, encouraged to add ''content'' instead of links to the encyclopaedia. If you feel the link should be added to the article please discuss it on the article's talk page rather than re-adding it. ---> * [http://www.BlackSea-online.com/eng Space Monitoring of the Black Sea Coastline and Waters] * [http://www.mapofukraine.net/crimean_peninsula/black_sea/crimea_black_sea_coast.html Pictures of the Black sea coast all along the Crimean peninsula] * [http://blacksea.orlyonok.ru/blacksea.shtml Black Sea Environment and Marine Life - Learning Pages] * [http://www.blacksea-archaeology.org/en/zaks_en.html The Center for Black Sea Archaeology] * [http://www.museum.upenn.edu/Sinop/SinopIntro.htm The Black Sea Trade Project] * [http://earthfromspace.photoglobe.info/spc_blacksea.html Earth from Space: Black Sea] * [http://www.nationalgeographic.com/blacksea/ National Geographic Society] * [http://www.grid.unep.ch/bsein/ Black Sea Environmental Internet Node] * [http://sealevel.ns.ca/igcp521/ Black Sea-Mediterranean Corridor during the last 30 ky: UNESCO IGCP 521 WG12] * [http://www.karalahana.com/english.html All about the Black Sea region Pontus] * [http://www.trabzon.org/ Trabzon] * {{coord|43.5|N|34.5|E|type:waterbody_scale:10000000|display=title,inline}}{{geofacti}} {{Template group |list = {{Countries bordering the Black Sea}} }} <!--As featured article--> <!--Categories--> [[Category:Anoxic basins]] [[Category:Black Sea| ]] [[Category:Global warming]] [[Category:Seas]] {{Link FA|sl}} <!--Other languages--> [[ar:بحر أسود]] [[an:Mar Negro]] [[frp:Mar Nêra]] [[ast:Mar Negru]] [[az:Qara dəniz]] [[bn:কৃষ্ণ সাগর]] [[ba:Ҡара диңгеҙ]] [[be-x-old:Чорнае мора]] [[bs:Crno more]] [[br:Mor Du]] [[bg:Черно море]] [[ca:Mar Negra]] [[cv:Хура тинĕс]] [[cs:Černé moře]] [[cy:Y Môr Du]] [[da:Sortehavet]] [[de:Schwarzes Meer]] [[et:Must meri]] [[el:Μαύρη Θάλασσα]] [[es:Mar Negro]] [[eo:Nigra Maro]] [[eu:Itsaso Beltza]] [[fa:دریای سیاه]] [[ext:Mari Negru]] [[fr:Mer Noire]] [[fy:Swarte See]] [[gl:Mar Negro]] [[ko:흑해]] [[hy:Սև ծով]] [[hi:कृष्ण सागर]] [[hr:Crno more]] [[io:Nigra Maro]] [[id:Laut Hitam]] [[os:Сау денджыз]] [[is:Svartahaf]] [[it:Mar Nero]] [[he:הים השחור]] [[jv:Segara Ireng]] [[ka:შავი ზღვა]] [[kk:Қара теңіз]] [[sw:Bahari Nyeusi]] [[ku:Deryaya Reş]] [[la:Pontus Euxinus]] [[lv:Melnā jūra]] [[lb:Schwaarzt Mier]] [[lt:Juodoji jūra]] [[li:Zwarte Zie]] [[jbo:xekri xamsi]] [[hu:Fekete-tenger]] [[mk:Црно море]] [[ml:കരിങ്കടല്‍]] [[ms:Laut Hitam]] [[mn:Хар тэнгис]] [[nl:Zwarte Zee]] [[nds-nl:Zwarte Zee]] [[ja:黒海]] [[no:Svartehavet]] [[nn:Svartehavet]] [[nrm:Néthe Mé]] [[oc:Mar Negra]] [[pl:Morze Czarne]] [[pt:Mar Negro]] [[crh:Qara deñiz]] [[ro:Marea Neagră]] [[rmy:Kali Deryav]] [[qu:Yana hatun qucha]] [[ru:Чёрное море]] [[scn:Mari Nìuru]] [[simple:Black Sea]] [[sk:Čierne more]] [[sl:Črno morje]] [[sr:Црно море]] [[sh:Crno more]] [[fi:Mustameri]] [[sv:Svarta havet]] [[ta:கருங்கடல்]] [[th:ทะเลดำ]] [[vi:Biển Đen]] [[tg:Баҳри Сиёҳ]] [[tr:Karadeniz]] [[uk:Чорне море]] [[ur:بحیرہ اسود]] [[vec:Mar Néro]] [[yi:שווארצער ים]] [[zh-yue:黑海]] [[zh:黑海]]