Mozambique Channel

The Mozambique Channel (French: Canal du Mozambique, Malagasy: Lakandranon'i Mozambika, Portuguese: Canal de Moçambique) is an arm of the Indian Ocean located between the Southeast African countries of Madagascar and Mozambique. The channel is about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long and 419 km (260 mi) across at its narrowest point, and reaches a depth of 3,292 m (10,800 ft) about 230 km (143 mi) off the coast of Mozambique. A warm current, the Mozambique Current, flows in a southward direction in the channel, leading into the Agulhas Current off the east coast of South Africa.[1]

Mozambique Channel
Location of Mozambique Channel
Coordinates18°S 41°E
TypeArm
Part ofIndian Ocean
Max. length1,600 km (990 mi)
Max. width419 km (260 mi)
Average depth3,292 m (10,801 ft)

Extent

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) defines the limits of the Mozambique Channel as follows:[2]

On the North. A line from the estuary of the River Rovuma (10°28′S 40°26′E) to Ras Habu, the northernmost point of Ile Grande Comore, the northernmost of the Comore (Comoro) Islands, to Cap d'Ambre (Cape Amber), the northern extremity of Madagascar (11°57′S 49°17′E).
On the East. The west coast of Madagascar.
On the South. A line from Cap Sainte-Marie, the southern extremity of Madagascar to Ponto do Ouro on the mainland (26°53′S 32°56′E).
On the West. The coast of Southern Africa.

Despite being defined as the South African coast by the IHO, the western limit of the channel is more correctly defined as the coast of Southern Africa or, more specifically, of Mozambique.

Islands in the channel

Comoros

France

Mozambique

Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago

History

The Mozambique Channel was a World War II clashpoint during the Battle of Madagascar.

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References
  1. "Mozambique Channel". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  2. "Limits of Oceans and Seas, 3rd edition" (PDF). International Hydrographic Organization. 1953. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
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