Each of us in a geography lesson once faced with the need to define what a peninsula is. We will consider this definition in detail, discuss the types of peninsulas and interesting facts that we know today.
Islands and peninsulas
An island is a piece of land surrounded by water on all sides, which is above sea level. One of the most interesting islands is Rene-Levasser, located in Canada. It is unique in that it is located in the center of Lake Manicouagan, right in the middle of the mainland. It can be seen even from space.
What is a peninsula? The definition from the geography of the 7th grade says that this is part of the protruding mainland, surrounded by water on three sides. That is, the peninsula in most cases has a one-way connection with the mainland. The size of the peninsula is a relative concept. The small peninsula is sometimes called a cape. But most often the peninsulas are quite impressive in size.
Distinguish peninsulas by origin
The indigenous group includes the following:
- Detached peninsulas. They are a continuation of the land, part of the mainland. For example,Apennine. Its area is 131,337 km². Most of it is occupied by Italy.
- Joined. Geologically, these areas do not belong to the mainland and are an independent part of the land, which "moored" to the coast and firmly settled there. A striking example of such a neighborhood is the Indian subcontinent. It is located in Asia, on its territory there are states such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In fact, it is a fragment of Gondwana - an ancient continent, as a result of the collapse of which Australia, South America, Africa, Antarctica were formed.
There is also a separate group - accumulative peninsulas. What is accumulative? They are formed in rivers and lakes due to the creation of a bridge from lake and river sediments, which unite part of the mainland with the island. In this way, the Buzachi Peninsula in the Caspian Sea was formed.
The largest peninsula in the world
Now that we have considered the definition of what a peninsula is, let's move on to describing the largest of them. This is the Arabian Peninsula, whose area is approximately 2730 square meters. At the same time, it is impossible to calculate its exact area, because it is not known where the mainland ends and the peninsula begins. It is the largest in the world.
Saudi Arabia spreads over most of it, and the remaining territory is occupied by such small countries as Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain. The southern regions of Iraq and Jordan are also located here.
The peninsula (a definition from geography of what a peninsula is, described above) is considered the place where the Islamic faith found life. It contains the most famous shrines of the Muslim world - Mecca and Medina.
In the middle of summer, there is an abnormal heat that does not allow you to go outside at noon. The maximum value is +55 °C. At the same time, no more than 100 mm of precipitation falls per year. Arabia is one of the driest places in the world.
Interesting facts about the peninsulas of the world
Here are the most interesting facts about the major islands of our Earth.
1. West Antarctica, or the Antarctic Peninsula, is the second largest after the Arabian Peninsula. It is absolutely unsuitable for human life. It is so cold here that if you throw a piece of steel on the ice, it will shatter. There are also no seasons on the peninsula - scientists live following the time of their homeland. Only 10 mm of precipitation falls annually. At the same time, 70% of the fresh water of the entire planet is stored in ice.
2. The Iberian Peninsula is one of the largest. Located in southwestern Europe. It has 3 states - Spain, Portugal and Andorra (as well as the British possession - Gibr altar). It is also called Iberian - from the name of the ancient people of the Iberians, who lived here before the Romans chose the territory.
3. Crimea, a peninsula of Eurasia, is one of the most unique on the planet. Just 100 years ago it was called more poetically - Tauris. Homer also mentioned the peninsula in the poem "Odyssey", which dates back to the 9th-11th century BC. Presumably, in one of the Crimean caves, Odysseus met with cannibal giants. This cave today is considered one of the most mysterious in the Crimea. The ancient Greeks called it the Harbor of Omens.
4. Labrador. Not everyone knows that such a peninsula exists. Meanwhile, it is quite large - its area is 1.6 million km2. Located in Canada. It was named after a Portuguese navigator, but many associate it with a large breed of dog. The climate here is characterized as temperate, with wet winters and cool summers. But in the north, in summer, the average temperature is -7 degrees.
5. The Apennine Peninsula is known for having the Apennine mountain range that crosses it exactly in the middle. It resembles the backbone of a peninsula, dividing the area into eastern and western parts.
In conclusion
Of course, these are not all peninsulas that deserve attention. Our planet Earth is so huge that it is really endless to talk about all its geographical features.
