Andaman Sea

Source: TOI

Context: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck the Andaman Sea near Malaysia, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology.

About Andaman Sea:

• Location and Neighbouring Nations

• Located in the northeastern Indian Ocean, between latitudes 4°N to 20°N and longitudes 92°E to 100°E. Bordered by Myanmar to the north and east, Thailand and Malaysia to the east, and Indonesia’s Sumatra to the south. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) to the west.

• Located in the northeastern Indian Ocean, between latitudes 4°N to 20°N and longitudes 92°E to 100°E.

• Bordered by Myanmar to the north and east, Thailand and Malaysia to the east, and Indonesia’s Sumatra to the south.

• Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) to the west.

• Rivers Flowing into the Andaman Sea:

• The Irrawaddy River (Myanmar) is the major river, depositing vast amounts of silt into the sea.

• Key Features:

• Major Islands: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Breueh Island (north of Sumatra). Trench: Andaman-Nicobar Trench, with depths exceeding 14,500 feet (4,400 metres). Volcanic Activity: Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located here. Coral Reefs: Rich biodiversity with extensive coral reefs, popular for tourism.

• Major Islands: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Breueh Island (north of Sumatra).

• Trench: Andaman-Nicobar Trench, with depths exceeding 14,500 feet (4,400 metres).

• Volcanic Activity: Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located here.

• Coral Reefs: Rich biodiversity with extensive coral reefs, popular for tourism.

• Strategic Importance:

• Major shipping route between India and China via the Strait of Malacca. Key sea link for Myanmar through ports like Yangon, Bassein, and Mergui.

• Major shipping route between India and China via the Strait of Malacca.

• Key sea link for Myanmar through ports like Yangon, Bassein, and Mergui.