TORRES STRAIT Meaning and
Definition
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Torres Strait refers to a narrow body of water, located between the Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia and the island of New Guinea. Stretching approximately 150 kilometers wide, the Torres Strait is part of the Coral Sea and serves as an important route for maritime transportation between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The Torres Strait region encompasses a vast area, consisting of numerous small islands, coral reefs, and submerged sandbanks. It is home to the Torres Strait Islander people, who have inhabited this area for thousands of years. The culture and heritage of the Torres Strait Islander people are closely intertwined with the marine environment and its resources.
The Torres Strait is known for its rich biodiversity, making it a significant ecological hotspot. The region supports a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, turtles, and coral. It is particularly renowned for its vibrant coral reef ecosystems, such as the Great Barrier Reef, which lies adjacent to the southern part of the strait.
Given its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, the Torres Strait plays a crucial role in trade, fishing, and tourism. It acts as a natural boundary between Australia and Papua New Guinea, requiring regulated border management to ensure security and cooperation. The unique geographical and cultural characteristics of the Torres Strait make it a distinctive and invaluable part of the global landscape.
Common Misspellings for TORRES STRAIT
- rorres strait
- forres strait
- gorres strait
- yorres strait
- 6orres strait
- 5orres strait
- tirres strait
- tkrres strait
- tlrres strait
- tprres strait
- t0rres strait
- t9rres strait
- toeres strait
- todres strait
- tofres strait
- totres strait
- to5res strait
- to4res strait
- torees strait
- tordes strait
Etymology of TORRES STRAIT
The word "Torres Strait" is derived from the name of the Spanish explorer, Luis Váez de Torres. In 1606, Torres, aboard the ship San Pedro y San Pablo, successfully navigated through the dangerous waters between New Guinea and Australia, discovering the strait that now bears his name. Prior to this discovery, it was believed that New Guinea and Australia were part of the same landmass. The strait is an important waterway connecting the Coral Sea and the Arafura Sea.
