Arafura Sea — shallow sea between Australia and New Guinea
Shallow continental-shelf sea between northern Australia and New Guinea, important for fisheries, biodiversity, navigation and the geological history of the Sahul Shelf.
Overview
The Arafura Sea lies between northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is generally a shallow marine area that forms part of the broad Sahul continental shelf and links to larger ocean systems, including the Pacific Ocean. Its approximate central position is often given as 9°30′S 135°0′E.
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Physical characteristics
The sea sits atop the continental shelf, so depths are modest compared with open ocean basins. This shallowness affects currents, tides and water temperature, producing productive marine habitats. Sediments and shallow banks are typical, and the area experiences seasonal changes driven by monsoonal winds and tropical weather systems.
Boundaries and neighbouring waters
The Arafura Sea is bordered by the coasts of Australia to the south and New Guinea to the north. It connects with adjacent basins and straits that lead toward other regional seas and oceans. Those passages influence exchange of water, marine life and navigation routes between shallow shelf waters and deeper oceanic areas.
Ecology, uses and human importance
- Fisheries: the productive shallow waters support commercial and subsistence fishing for many coastal communities.
- Navigation: shipping and local transport use sea lanes that cross or skirt the region.
- Biodiversity: seagrass, mangroves and reef-associated communities occur in parts of the sea and along adjacent coasts.
- Resource interest: the continental shelf has attracted attention for geological and biological research as well as prospecting for natural resources.
Environmental concerns include habitat pressure from fishing, potential impacts of development, and sensitivity to changes in sea level and climate.
Geological and historical significance
During past ice ages, lower sea levels exposed much of the shelf as dry land, forming a land bridge between the island of New Guinea and the Australian continent. This Sahul connection shaped the distribution of plants, animals and early human movements in the region. Today the submerged shelf remains an important record of those geological and ecological transitions.
Note: The Arafura Sea's shallow character and central shelf position distinguish it from deeper neighbouring ocean areas and make it a key feature of northern Australia–New Guinea marine geography.
Questions and answers
Q: Where is the Arafura Sea located?
A: The Arafura Sea is located west of the Pacific Ocean, and it lies between Australia and New Guinea.
Q: What are the coordinates of the Arafura Sea?
A: The coordinates of the Arafura Sea are 9°30′S 135°0′E / 9.500°S 135.000°E / -9.500; 135.000.
Q: What landmasses does the Arafura Sea lie between?
A: The Arafura Sea lies between Australia and New Guinea.
Q: What type of landmass is the Arafura Sea located on?
A: The Arafura Sea is located on the continental shelf between Australia and New Guinea.
Q: What is the geographical position of the Arafura Sea?
A: The Arafura Sea is situated at 9°30′S 135°0′E on the map.
Q: Which ocean is located to the east of the Arafura Sea?
A: The Pacific Ocean is located to the east of the Arafura Sea.
Q: What is the significance of the Arafura Sea's location?
A: The Arafura Sea's location is significant because it lies between two large landmasses - Australia and New Guinea - and is an important resource for both countries.
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AlegsaOnline.com Arafura Sea — shallow sea between Australia and New Guinea Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/5154