Long Crossings

By Henry Petroski

Driving from Sweden to Denmark is an uplifting experience

Engineering Human Ecology

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January-February 2007

Volume 95, Number 1
Page 16

DOI: 10.1511/2007.63.16

Geographically an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, the Baltic Sea is virtually isolated from the tides of that larger body of water by straits that constrict and damp the ebb and flow of water through them. What water-level changes there are in the Baltic Sea result mainly from changes in atmospheric pressure. The restricted connection with the ocean also means that the Baltic is fed mainly with fresh water, and consequently its salinity level is so low that it cannot support shrimp and other fruits de mer that require a stronger saltwater environment to thrive.

Photograph courtesy of Sund and Bµlt.

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