Why does the Sargasso Sea have no coastline?
Quick Answer
The Sargasso Sea is defined by ocean currents rather than land boundaries. It sits in the middle of the North Atlantic inside a rotating system called the North Atlantic subtropical gyre.
The Full Story
Unlike most seas, the Sargasso Sea is not bordered by continents or islands. Instead, it is enclosed by currents: the Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Current, Canary Current, and North Atlantic Equatorial Current. These circulating waters gather floating Sargassum seaweed, which gives the sea its name. Sailors have known the region for centuries, and it was famously associated with the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus. The Sargasso Sea is also important for marine life, including eels that use the region as part of their life cycle.
Key Facts
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