Important Straits of the World - UPSC Study Material PDF

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☰ English Sign Up Quick Links Home / IAS Preparation / Major Straits of the World Important Straits of the World - List of Major Straits, Its Importance And More For UPSC! Last Updated on Jan 19, 2024 Also Read Major Straits of the World in Hindi Download As PDF IMPORTANT LINKS A strait is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water, typically between land masses. Major Straits of the World is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the ‘Geography – World Geography’ (General Studies-1) syllabus and current events of national importance in UPSC prelims. In this article, we learn a compilation of the World's major straits, which aims to enhance the reader's general awareness and provide insights into the significant role these straits play in connecting various regions across the globe. Learn about Important Boundary Lines in the World here! What are Straits? A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water. It is like a narrow passage between two land masses, such as two continents or islands. It is usually formed by natural forces, like the movement of tectonic plates or erosion caused by water. Straits are important for navigation and can significantly impact trade and transportation between regions. How are Straits Formed? Straits are formed when a narrow strip of land breaks apart, connecting two bodies of water. This Continue can happen due to the movement of Earth's in App plates. An example is the Strait of Gibraltar, which was formed by the shifting of plates in Africa. Exams Tests Super Practice  Study the article International Boundary Lines here! ☰ English Sign Up FREE Mentorship Program by Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA 100+ Success Stories Key Highlights Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies. Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program. 2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get Get Free Mentorship Now COMPREHENSIVE MAINS PROGRAM 750 (CMP750) Get SuperCoaching @ just ₹80000 ₹40998 Your Total Savings ₹39002 Explore SuperCoaching Want to know more about this pass ? Continue in App Download Brochure Exams Tests Super Practice ☰ List of Major Straits of the World English Sign Up Major straits of the world are beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of global affairs, making it a valuable topic for UPSC. Below is a list of some of the major straits and we will also see the major straits of the world on the map below: Formosa Strait Located between Taiwan and China. Connects the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Important for international shipping and military presence due to its geopolitical significance. Strait of Tartary Located between Russia and China. Connects the Sea of Japan and the Gulf of Tartary. Plays a role in regional trade and transportation. Yucatan Strait Located between Mexico and Cuba. Connects the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Important for maritime trade and serves as a passage for ships entering or leaving the Gulf of Mexico. Messina Strait Located between Italy and Sicily. Connects the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea. Narrow and shallow strait known for strong currents and whirlpools. Otranto Strait Located between Italy and Albania. Connects the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Important for maritime navigation and connects the eastern and western parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Cook Strait Located between the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. Connects the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. One of the world's most dangerous and unpredictable waterways due to strong currents and Continue in App winds. Jamaica Channel Exams Tests Super Practice  Located between Jamaica and Cuba. ☰ Connects the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. English Sign Up Important for maritime transportation and trade in the region. Hudson Strait Located in Canada, between Baffin Island and Labrador. Connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Hudson Bay. Significant for shipping and serves as a route for ships traveling to and from the Arctic. Mozambique Channel Located between Mozambique and Madagascar. Connects the Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel. Important for international shipping and fishing activities. North Channel Located between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Connects the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Plays a role in maritime trade and serves as a navigation route for ships. Strait of Hormuz Located between Iran and Oman. Connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. One of the world's most strategic waterways, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass. Bab-el-Mandeb Located between Yemen and Djibouti. Connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Important for international shipping and serves as a gateway to the Suez Canal. Ten Degree Channel Located between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. Connects the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Significant for maritime trade and transportation in the region. Sunda Strait Continue Located between Java and Sumatra islands in App in Indonesia. Connects the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. Important for international shipping and serves as a major passage for vessels traveling Exams Tests between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Super Practice  Florida Strait ☰ English Sign Up Located between Florida, United States, and Cuba. Connects the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Important for maritime transportation and serves as a route for ships entering or leaving the Gulf of Mexico. Bering Strait Located between Russia and the United States (Alaska). Connects the Chukchi Sea and the Bering Sea. Plays a significant role in international shipping and serves as a border between Asia and North America. Strait of Gibraltar Located between Spain and Morocco. Connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Important for maritime trade and serves as a strategic passage between Europe and Africa. Korea Strait Located between South Korea and Japan. Connects the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Important for maritime transportation and serves as a boundary between the two countries. Strait of Malacca Located between Malaysia and Indonesia. Connects the Andaman Sea and the South China Sea. One of the busiest and most important shipping lanes in the world, facilitating trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Bonifacio Strait Located between Corsica and Sardinia islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Connects the Tyrrhenian Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea. Important for maritime navigation and serves as a route for ships traveling between the western and eastern Mediterranean. Palk Strait Located between India and Sri Lanka. Continue in App Connects the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Bay. Important for maritime transportation and serves as a boundary between the two countries. Exams Bosphorus Strait Tests Super Practice  Located in Turkey, between Europe and Asia. ☰ Connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. English Sign Up Critical for international shipping and serves as a key passage between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Bass Strait Located between Australia's mainland and Tasmania. Connects the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean. Important for maritime transportation and serves as a major shipping route for vessels traveling between the eastern and southern parts of Australia. Davis Strait Located between Greenland and Canada. Connects the Labrador Sea and the Baffin Bay. Significant for maritime trade and serves as a route for ships traveling to and from the Arctic. Study in detail about Tropical Cyclones here! Get Unlimited Access to Test Series for 1030+ Exams and much more. Know More ₹30/month Buy Testbook Pass Significance of the Straits Straits have been important for humans throughout history. They are significant for the economy and military. Straits provide strategic military and geopolitical advantages. Major straits are used for shipping between different areas. Straits are crucial for commerce and strategy. They provide routes for many ships to navigate. Continue in App The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil trade. Some straits generate power using turbines, like Cook's Strait. The strait serves as a pathway for ocean currents, impacting the climate. Straits have a key role in geography Exams Tests and climate. Super Practice  They hold historical and cultural value. ☰ English Sign Up Study in detail about Cyclones & Anti-Cyclones with this link! Test Series 290.3K STUDENTS UPSC Civil Services Prelims Mock Test 2024 296 TOTAL TESTS | 2 Free Tests 13 All India Mock Test Series 123 Chapter Test 31 Subject Test 21 Full Test 32 Current Affairs 48 PYST 28 Previous Year Papers Get Started Differences Between Gulf and Strait Gulf Straits A gulf is a large body of water that is partly A strait is a narrow passage of water that surrounded by land. connects two larger bodies of water. Gulfs are usually larger and wider than straits. Straits are narrower and more elongated compared to gulfs. Gulfs are often open to the sea on one end and Straits may have land on both sides or enclosed by land on the other sides. connect two larger bodies of water without being fully enclosed. Gulfs are formed by the movement of tectonic Straits are usually created by geological plates or by the flooding of river valleys. Continue in App processes, such as erosion or the movement of tectonic plates. Exams Tests Super Practice ☰ Some examples of gulfs include the Gulf of Mexico, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Well-known straits include the Strait ofSign Up English Gibraltar, the Strait of Malacca, and the Strait Thailand. of Hormuz. Gulfs can vary in size, from relatively small Straits can range in width, from narrow ones to large expanses of water. channels to wider passages. Gulfs often serve as important natural harbors Straits can be strategic locations for and provide shelter for ships. navigation, and their control may have geopolitical significance. Gulfs are commonly home to diverse marine Straits can have strong currents due to the ecosystems and support a variety of marine constricted flow of water, which can affect life. marine life and navigation. Many gulfs are popular tourist destinations, Straits can be important for international offering opportunities for activities like trade, as they provide shipping routes swimming, fishing, and boating. between different regions. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App! Register for UPSC Online Classes at an affordable price through the UPSC CSE Coaching platform to boost your IAS preparation. More Articles for IAS Preparation Police Commissioner & Director General Delhi and New Delhi Challenges to Internal Security of India Planet and Satellite Principles of Natural Justice British Industrial Policy In India Sources Of Modern Indian History Labour And Trade Union Movements Continue in App String Puppets in India Exams Tests Super Practice