What is the Andaman Sea, and where is it geographically located?

The Andaman Sea is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean. It is bordered by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand along the Gulf of Martaban and the western side of the Malay Peninsula. To its west, it is separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its southern extent is near Breueh Island, north of Sumatra, with the Strait of Malacca situated further southeast.

What historical name is also associated with the Andaman Sea?

Historically, the Andaman Sea was also known by the name Burma Sea.

How has the Andaman Sea been traditionally utilized by coastal countries?

Coastal countries have traditionally used the Andaman Sea for fishing activities and for the transportation of goods between their territories.

What impact did the December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami have on the Andaman Sea's infrastructure?

The fishing and tourism infrastructure located within the Andaman Sea experienced severe damage as a consequence of the December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

What are the approximate geographical coordinates that define the extent of the Andaman Sea?

The Andaman Sea spans a region defined by the coordinates 92°E to 100°E longitude and 4°N to 20°N latitude.

Which island chains form a boundary between the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal?

The Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, along with an associated chain of sea mounts situated along the Indo-Burmese plate boundary, serve as the boundary separating the Andaman Sea from the Bay of Bengal.

What geographical feature marks the southern exitway of the Andaman Sea basin?

The Strait of Malacca, which lies between the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, functions as the southern exitway for the Andaman Sea basin.

According to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), what defines the southwestern boundary of the Andaman Sea?

The IHO defines the southwestern boundary of the Andaman Sea as a line extending from "Oedjong Raja" (Point Raja) in Sumatra to Poeloe Bras (Breueh Island) and continuing through the Western Islands of the Nicobar Group to Sandy Point in Little Andaman Island. This definition ensures that all narrow waters in this region are considered part of the Burma Sea.

How does the IHO define the northwestern limit of the Andaman Sea?

The International Hydrographic Organization defines the northwestern limit of the Andaman Sea as the eastern boundary of the Bay of Bengal. This boundary runs from Cape Negrais in Myanmar, through the larger Andaman Islands, and extends to a specific point on Little Andaman Island, excluding the narrow waters between the islands from the Bay of Bengal.

What line defines the southeastern boundary of the Andaman Sea according to the IHO?

The southeastern boundary of the Andaman Sea, as defined by the IHO, is a line that connects Lem Voalan (Phromthep Cape) in Thailand to Pedropunt (Point Batee) in Sumatra.

Which countries have exclusive economic zones within the Andaman Sea, and what are their approximate areas?

The countries with exclusive economic zones in the Andaman Sea are India (659,590 km² for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Myanmar (511,389 km² for its mainland coast), Thailand (118,714 km² along its Andaman Sea coast), and Indonesia (76,500 km² for Northeast Aceh).

Which country possesses the largest exclusive economic zone area in the Andaman Sea according to the provided data?

India possesses the largest exclusive economic zone area in the Andaman Sea, encompassing 659,590 km² associated with its Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory.

What are the three most important straits mentioned for water exchange between the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal?

The three most significant straits facilitating water exchange between the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal are the Preparis Channel (PC), the Ten Degree Channel (TDC), and the Great Channel (GC).

Can you describe the Preparis Channel (PC) in terms of its location and dimensions?

The Preparis Channel (PC) is the widest but shallowest of the three major straits, measuring 250 meters (820 feet) in depth. It is geographically situated between south Myanmar and North Andaman.

What is the depth of the Great Channel (GC), and what islands does it separate?

The Great Channel (GC) has a depth of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and serves as the separating waterway between Great Nicobar Island and Banda Aceh.

How is the northern and eastern side of the Andaman Sea basin characterized in terms of depth and the influence of rivers?

The northern and eastern sections of the Andaman Sea basin are relatively shallow, with depths generally not exceeding 180 meters (590 feet). This shallowness is primarily due to the deposition of silt carried by the Irrawaddy River, which flows into the sea from Myanmar.

What is the general depth range for the western and central areas of the Andaman Sea?

The western and central regions of the Andaman Sea are considerably deeper, with depths typically ranging between 900 and 3,000 meters (3,000 to 9,800 feet).

What percentage of the Andaman Sea's total area is deeper than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet)?

Only approximately 15 percent of the Andaman Sea's total area exceeds a depth of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), and even these deeper areas are not entirely free from underwater mountains known as sea mounts.

What tectonic plates are found along the seabed in the Andaman Sea, and what is their significance?

The seabed of the Andaman Sea features the boundary between the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate. This boundary is significant as it is the cause of high seismic activity in the region.

What was the magnitude of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, and how much of the plate boundary did it affect?

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, classified as a megathrust earthquake, registered a magnitude of 9.3. It caused slippage along a substantial portion of the boundary between the Burma plate and the Indo-Australian plate, spanning between 1,300 and 1,600 kilometers (810 to 990 miles).

What was the estimated height of the tsunami generated by the 2004 earthquake, and how many people did it kill?

The tsunami resulting from the 2004 earthquake was estimated to have a height of 28 meters (92 feet) and tragically caused the deaths of approximately 280,000 people along the Indian Ocean coastline.

What is notable about Barren Island in the Andaman Sea?

Barren Island, situated to the east of the Great Andaman island group, is distinguished as the only currently active volcano associated with the Indian subcontinent.

What geological process causes the volcanic activity on Barren Island?

The volcanic activity observed on Barren Island is a result of the ongoing subduction process where the India plate moves beneath the Andaman island arc. This geological action forces magma to rise to the surface at this specific location on the Burma plate.

What is the estimated annual sediment delivery to the Andaman Sea by the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) and Thanlwin (Salween) rivers?

The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) and Thanlwin (Salween) rivers collectively contribute an estimated amount of over 600 million metric tons of sediment to the Andaman Sea each year.

How does the sediment transport and deposition pattern in the Andaman Sea differ from that of other major Asian river systems like the Yangtze and Mekong?

Unlike major Asian river systems such as the Yangtze and Mekong, sediment transport and deposition in the Andaman Sea exhibit a bi-directional pattern. This pattern is influenced by local currents, which are in turn affected by tides, and by seasonally varying monsoon winds and waves.

What primary factor determines the climate of the Andaman Sea?

The climate of the Andaman Sea is primarily dictated by the monsoons of southeast Asia, which cause the prevailing winds to reverse direction with the change of seasons.

What are the typical wind patterns in the Andaman Sea during winter (November to February)?

From November to February, the Andaman Sea typically experiences north-easterly winds with an average speed of 5 m/s (18 km/h). The western part of the sea usually experiences the strongest winds during this period.

What are the wind patterns like during the summer monsoon season (May to September)?

During the summer monsoon season, from May to September, the winds shift to strong south-westerlies. Mean wind speeds can reach up to 8 m/s (29 km/h) in June, July, and August, and these winds are distributed relatively uniformly across the entire basin.

How does the salinity of the Andaman Sea vary between the northern and southern parts, and why?

Salinity levels are generally higher in the southern part of the Andaman Sea, ranging from 31.5 to 32.5 parts per thousand (ppt) in summer and 30.0 to 33.0 ppt in winter. In contrast, the northern part experiences lower salinity, dropping to 20–25 ppt, due to the influx of freshwater from the Irrawaddy River.

What are the characteristics of tides in the Andaman Sea?

Tides in the Andaman Sea are characterized as semidiurnal, meaning they occur twice daily, and can reach an amplitude of up to 7.2 meters (24 feet).

How do the currents generally compare between the southern and other parts of the Andaman Sea basin?

Currents within the Andaman Sea basin are generally observed to be stronger in the southern region compared to other parts of the sea.

What is the role of Kelvin waves in the Andaman Sea's dynamics, particularly in April and October?

Kelvin waves play a significant role in the Andaman Sea's dynamics, especially in April and October. These waves, influenced by equatorial Wyrtki jets, propagate along the eastern boundary of the Indian Ocean and into the Andaman Sea, causing isotherms to deepen, which indicates downwelling. This process is linked to intensified eastern boundary currents.

What types of coastal vegetation are characteristic of the Andaman Sea?

The coastal areas adjacent to the Andaman Sea are characterized by the presence of mangrove forests and seagrass meadows.

What is the ecological importance of mangroves in the Andaman Sea's coastal waters?

Mangroves are vital for the high productivity of the coastal waters of the Andaman Sea. Their root systems help trap soil and sediment, provide essential shelter for fish and small aquatic organisms, protect the shoreline from wind and waves, and contribute detritus that forms a base of the aquatic food chain.

How have human activities and the 2004 tsunami affected mangrove forests in the Andaman Sea?

Mangrove forests in the Andaman Sea have been impacted by human activities such as brackish water shrimp farming, which has led to their removal. Additionally, the 2004 tsunami caused significant damage, and despite replanting efforts, the area of mangroves continues to decline due to ongoing human activities.

What types of marine life are found in the Andaman Sea, particularly along the Malay Peninsula?

The waters along the Malay Peninsula in the Andaman Sea are conducive to molluscan growth, and the sea supports approximately 280 species of edible fish across 75 families. Many of these species are found in both mangrove and seagrass habitats.

Which vulnerable fauna species inhabit the Andaman Sea?

The Andaman Sea is home to several vulnerable fauna species, including dugongs (Dugong dugon), various dolphin species like the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and four types of sea turtles: the critically endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), along with the threatened green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

What is the status of the coral reefs in the Andaman Sea?

Coral reefs in the Andaman Sea cover an estimated 117 square kilometers, but a concerningly small portion, only about 6.4 percent, is currently in ideal condition.

What were Thailand's fish harvests in 2005 and 2000?

Thailand's fish harvests were approximately 943,000 tonnes in 2005 and around 710,000 tonnes in 2000.

What fishing methods accounted for the largest portions of Thailand's catch in 2000?

In the year 2000, trawling was the dominant fishing method for Thailand, accounting for 490,000 tonnes of the catch. Purse seine fishing contributed 184,000 tonnes, and gillnets accounted for approximately 30,000 tonnes.

What percentage of Thailand's total marine catch is caught in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, respectively?

Of Thailand's total marine catch, 41% is harvested from the Gulf of Thailand, while 19% is caught in the Andaman Sea.

Which fish species in the Andaman Sea are considered overfished, and which are exceptions?

Most fish species in the Andaman Sea have been subject to overfishing since the 1970s to 1990s. Exceptions to this trend include Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commersoni), carangidae, and torpedo scad (Meggalaspis spp.).

What was the overall overfishing rate for pelagic and demersal species in the Andaman Sea in 1991?

In 1991, the Andaman Sea experienced an overall overfishing rate of 333 percent for pelagic species and 245 percent for demersal species.

How has mollusk production in the Andaman Sea changed, and why?

Mollusk production in the Andaman Sea has seen a significant decline, dropping from 27,374 tonnes in 1999 to just 318 tonnes in 2004. This decrease is partly attributed to the damage caused by bottom dredge gears used for collection, which are detrimental to the sea floor.

What significant mineral resource is found in the Andaman Sea off the coasts of Malaysia and Thailand?

Tin deposits are a significant mineral resource found in the Andaman Sea, specifically off the coasts of Malaysia and Thailand.

Name some of the major ports located on the coasts bordering the Andaman Sea.

Major ports bordering the Andaman Sea include Port Blair in India; Dawei, Mawlamyine, and Yangon in Myanmar; Ranong port in Thailand; George Town and Penang in Malaysia; and Belawan in Indonesia.

What makes the Andaman Sea region a popular tourist destination?

The Andaman Sea region is a popular tourist destination due to its abundant coral reefs and offshore islands, which feature spectacular topography. This is particularly true for the western coast of the Malay Peninsula and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Despite damage from the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, what remains true about tourism in the Andaman Sea region?

Despite suffering damage from the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, the islands and coral reefs of the Andaman Sea region continue to be popular tourist destinations.

How many marine national parks are located near the Andaman Sea coast, specifically in Thailand?

There are numerous marine national parks situated along the coast near the Andaman Sea, with Thailand alone hosting 16 such parks.

Andaman Sea Wiki: Andaman Sea: Depths, Dynamics, and Discoveries

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Overview

A Marginal Sea

The Andaman Sea, historically known as the Burma Sea, is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean. It is bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand to the north and east, and separated from the Bay of Bengal to its west by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its southern extent reaches Breueh Island, just north of Sumatra, with the Strait of Malacca forming the southeastern exit.

Geographic Significance

Occupying a significant position within the Indian Ocean, the Andaman Sea spans approximately 92°E to 100°E longitude and 4°N to 20°N latitude. Its strategic location connects major maritime routes and influences regional climate patterns.

Basin Countries

The sea's basin is bordered by several nations, each with significant coastlines and maritime interests. These include India (specifically the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of these countries delineate their maritime boundaries within the sea.

Geography

Location and Extent

The Andaman Sea is situated in the northeastern Indian Ocean, defined by specific geographical coordinates. Its western boundary is marked by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which form a chain of islands and sea mounts along the Indo-Burmese plate boundary, separating it from the Bay of Bengal. The Strait of Malacca serves as the southern gateway.

Dimensions and Depths

The sea has a maximum length of approximately 1,202 km and a maximum width of 647 km, covering a surface area of about 797,000 km². The bathymetry varies significantly, with shallower continental shelves in the north and east, and deeper basins in the central and western areas. The average depth is around 1,096 meters, reaching a maximum depth of 4,198 meters in submarine valleys east of the Andaman-Nicobar Ridge.

Exclusive Economic Zones

The Andaman Sea's waters are divided among the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the bordering countries. These zones are crucial for resource management and maritime jurisdiction.

No.	Country	Area (Km²)
1	India - Andaman and Nicobar Islands	659,590
2	Myanmar - Mainland	511,389
3	Thailand - Andaman Sea	118,714
4	Indonesia - Northeast Aceh	76,500
Total	Andaman Sea	-

Geology

Tectonic Plates

The Andaman Sea lies above a complex tectonic boundary, primarily between the Burma Plate and the Sunda Plate. These microplates are thought to have formed as the Indian Plate began its collision with the Eurasian continent. This region is characterized by high seismic activity, including major earthquakes and associated tsunamis.

Volcanic Activity

The sea floor hosts volcanic features, most notably Barren Island, which is the only active volcano associated with the Indian subcontinent. Its activity is linked to the subduction of the India plate beneath the Andaman island arc. Narcondam Island, further north, is another volcanic feature formed by this process.

Ocean Floor and Sediments

The northern and eastern parts of the sea are shallower due to extensive silt deposition from major rivers like the Irrawaddy. The continental slope in these areas is steep. The sea floor is generally covered with pebbles, gravel, and sand. The basin's water level fluctuates seasonally, influenced by rainfall, river influx, and water exchange through straits connecting to the Bay of Bengal.

Climate

Monsoon Influence

The climate of the Andaman Sea is predominantly dictated by the monsoons of Southeast Asia. Prevailing winds reverse seasonally, blowing from the northeast in winter (November to February) and from the southwest in summer (May to September). Wind speeds are generally higher during the summer monsoon.

Temperature and Precipitation

Air temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, typically ranging from 26°C to 27°C. Precipitation is substantial, with annual rainfall potentially reaching 3,000 mm, concentrated mainly during the summer months. Sea surface temperatures are consistently warm, generally between 26°C and 29°C.

Currents and Waves

Ocean currents are generally stronger in the southern parts of the basin. Seasonal variations drive significant water exchange through the straits connecting to the Bay of Bengal. Phenomena like equatorial Wyrtki jets and associated Kelvin and Rossby waves influence sea surface height, water movement, and temperature distribution, particularly during transitional periods in April and October.

Ecology

Coastal Flora

The coastal regions are characterized by vital ecosystems, including extensive mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection and supporting marine biodiversity, serving as nurseries and habitats. Seagrass beds are important feeding grounds for marine life. Both ecosystems have faced degradation due to human activities and natural disasters like the 2004 tsunami.

Marine Fauna

The Andaman Sea supports a rich diversity of marine fauna. Vulnerable species include dugongs, various dolphin species (such as the Irrawaddy dolphin), and several species of sea turtles, including the critically endangered leatherback and hawksbill turtles. The waters are also home to numerous fish species, with significant populations found in mangrove and seagrass habitats.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are a significant feature of the Andaman Sea, particularly around its islands. While these reefs contribute to the region's biodiversity and tourism appeal, a substantial portion has been found to be in less than ideal condition, with some areas affected by coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures.

Human Activities

Fishing Industry

Fishing is a traditional and economically important activity in the Andaman Sea. The region's waters are rich in various fish species, including pelagic and demersal fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. However, many species are subject to overfishing, and competition for resources has historically led to international disputes.

Mineral Resources

The sea floor contains mineral deposits, notably tin, found off the coasts of Malaysia and Thailand. These resources contribute to the economic activities of the coastal nations.

Tourism

The Andaman Sea, with its coral reefs, islands, and diverse marine life, is a popular tourist destination. Coastal areas in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands attract visitors. Despite damage from events like the 2004 tsunami, tourism remains a key economic driver for the region.

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References

Andaman Sea, Great Soviet Encyclopedia (in Russian)

Andaman Sea, EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica on-line

Glossary of Terms Appearing on Maps of the Netherlands East Indies, United States Army Map Service, page 115, 93.

Indonesia quake toll jumps again, BBC, 25 January 2005

Baumgartner A, Riechel E. The World Water Balance, Mean Annual Global, Continental and Maritime Precipitation, Evaporation and Runoff, Elsevier. 1975; 1â179pp

A full list of references for this article are available at the Andaman Sea Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, geological, or environmental consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Andaman Sea

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🌊 A Marginal Sea

🗺️ Geographic Significance

🌍 Basin Countries

Geography 🗺️

📍 Location and Extent

📏 Dimensions and Depths

🌐 Exclusive Economic Zones

Geology 🪨

tectonic Tectonic Plates

🌋 Volcanic Activity

🏞️ Ocean Floor and Sediments

Climate ☀️

🌬️ Monsoon Influence

🌡️ Temperature and Precipitation

🌊 Currents and Waves

Ecology 🌿

🌳 Coastal Flora

🐠 Marine Fauna

🐡 Coral Reefs

Human Activities 🧑‍💼

🎣 Fishing Industry

💎 Mineral Resources

🏖️ Tourism

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Marginal Sea

Geographic Significance

Basin Countries

Geography

Location and Extent

Dimensions and Depths

Exclusive Economic Zones

Geology

Tectonic Plates

Volcanic Activity

Ocean Floor and Sediments

Climate

Monsoon Influence

Temperature and Precipitation

Currents and Waves

Ecology

Coastal Flora

Marine Fauna

Coral Reefs

Human Activities

Fishing Industry

Mineral Resources

Tourism

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice