English Channel

The English Channel, also known as La Manche in French, is a body of water that separates England from France. It is a vital waterway for trade and transportation, and it has played a significant role in the history and culture of both countries. The Channel is a relatively shallow body of water, with an average depth of 120 meters (394 feet), and it is home to a diverse range of marine life.

Doubtful Facelina – Facelina dubia

Pullet Carpet Shell – Venerupis corrugata

Warty Venus – Venus verrucosa

John dory – Zeus faber

Sea Urchin – Gracilechinus acutus

Rock goby – Gobius paganellus

Common dentex – Dentex dentex

Atlantic bluefin tuna – Thunnus thynnus

Longspined bullhead – Taurulus bubalis

Atlantic horse mackerel – Trachurus trachurus

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Geography

The English Channel is approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) long and 240 kilometers (150 miles) wide at its widest point. The Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the Channel, is only 34 kilometers (21 miles) wide. The Channel is connected to the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east. The Channel's coastline is characterized by cliffs, beaches, estuaries, and islands. Notable islands in the Channel include the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, and the Isles of Scilly.

Fauna

The English Channel is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, mammals, and birds. Some of the most common fish species include cod, herring, mackerel, and plaice. The Channel is also home to a number of marine mammals, including harbor seals, gray seals, dolphins, and porpoises. The channel is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is a migratory route for many species, including seabirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.

Surrounding Countries

The English Channel borders the following countries:

  • United Kingdom (England)
  • France
  • Channel Islands (a British Crown dependency)

Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the English Channel:

  • The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
  • The Channel Tunnel, a 50.5-kilometer (31.4-mile) rail tunnel, connects England and France under the Channel.
  • The water temperature in the Channel varies depending on the time of year, but it is generally cooler than the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Channel is home to a number of historic shipwrecks, including the wreck of the HMS Victory, the flagship of Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.