Geography of Red Sea

The Red Sea was formed about 25 million years ago when the African and Asian continental plates started to move apart. It continues to widen at a rate of about 1-2 cm per year. Today the sea is actually part of the Great Rift Valley system that cuts through much of East Africa.

The northern part of that rift has created the Dead Sea which is the lowest region on Earth. So the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, east of the Sinai peninsula, reach depths of almost 2000 meters in certain areas but the Gulf of Suez is relatively shallow with maximum depth of around 80 meters.

In the bible story Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, with the Pharaoh and his army chasing him. Moses was in a difficult spot, on either side were high mountains. in front was the Red Sea. And coming up fast behind was Pharaoh and his army.

The lord told Moses to lift up his staff and stretch it out over the Red Sea, a strong wind to blow all night, and the water of the sea divided left and right, and a dry path down the middle. Moses and the children of Israel went through easily. When Pharaoh saw this he decided to cross over on the dry path. Moses lifted up his staff and stretched it out over the water, and the water came crashing back, all of Pharaoh’s army was drowned.

The thermal winds that once sped clippers to the East still bring thousands of migrating birds to the shores of the Red Sea, making it a paradise for bird-watchers. Today, the ancient ports are better known as some of the best diving and fishing resorts in the world.