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| The Red Sea |
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Why
is the Red Sea called the Red Sea? Is it really Red?
No,
the Red Sea is not always red, but sometimes it appears
to be. The Red Sea got its name from a phenomenon caused
by a type of algae called Trichodesmium Erythraeum, which
is found in the sea. When these algae blooms die off the
blue-green color of sea appears to change to reddish-brown
color.
The Tourism developments and their impact on the rich and
vulnerable marine environment alarmed the Egyptian Government
and in 1983 the Ras Mohammed Peninsula was declared the
first Egyptian National Park. |
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It
is the Red Sea's great biodiversity that led experts to
call it a natural wonder. Relatively constant water temperatures
from 20C to 30C (68F - 86F), minor sedimentation due to
lack of rain and mild currents, and a high salt content
resulting from a high rate of evaporation and a low level
of humidity create the perfect environment for coral growth.
The Red Sea is the saltiest life sustaining sea in the
world and one of the richest in concentration of marine
life of all tropical seas. |
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There
are over 1000 species of invertebrates, around 200 recorded
coral types and over a 1000 species of fish to be found
in this natural wonder. Twenty million
years ago the Red Sea formed as the Arabian Peninsula was
torn away from Africa. One hundred fifty years ago it was
one of the major shipping routes connecting Europe with
East Asia and Australia. Today the Red Sea's magical attraction
is hidden just below the surface, where excellent clarity
and mild water temperatures make diving possible all year
round. |
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