The Sargasso Sea is an elongated area of water in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean which is surrounded by ocean currents. On the west side it is bounded by the Gulf Stream, on the north side, it is bounded by the North Atlantic Current, on the east side, it is bounded by the Canary Current and on the south side, it is bounded by the North Atlantic Equatorial Current. It is 700 statute miles wide and 2,000 statute miles long (1,100 km wide and 3,200 km long) and very roughly. It stretches from roughly 70 degrees west to 40 degrees west, and from 25 degrees north to 35 degrees north. Bermuda is located near the western fringes of the sea.
The Sargasso Sea is a very salty sea and is often regarded as being lifeless as there is usually no or very little wind at all. However, it is home to some seaweed of the genus Sargassum. This seaweed is extremely dense and it floats on the surface there. The Sargasso Sea also plays a major role in the migration of the European eel and the American eel. Both species hatch their larvae there and go to Europe and/or the East Coast of North America. Later in life, they try to return to the Sargasso Sea to lay eggs there.
The floating algae of the Sargasso Sea offers precious food and shelter for hundreds of animal species. Small invertebrates cling to the sargassum, attracting larger predators, whose wastes in turn fertilize the algae.
Portuguese sailors were among the first to discover this region in the 15th century. Christopher Columbus and his men also noted the Sargasso Sea, and brought reports of the large amount of seaweed on the surface. The Carthaginian admiral Himilco had earlier made similar reports after sailing through the Pillars of Hercules whereby he referred to the seaweed as being like thick bushes which slowed down the ships.
Due to its proximity to Bermuda (and its subsequent location in the Bermuda Triangle), the sea is credited with some of the infamous disappearances. Modern engines have been known to become entangled in the sargassum seaweed, rendering most vessels stranded. For these reasons it is sometimes referred to as the "graveyard of ships".
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A Corner In The Kingdom of Sargasso Weed! |
Colombus meets Sargasso weed in the night in his sailing ship! |
