What Is a Narrow Passage of Water That Connects Two Larger Bodies of Water?

Aspects

• Straits are characterized as navigable streams and are accessible to boats. They differ from canals in that they are wider and naturally formed, not man-made.

Famous Straits

• The Strait of Gibraltar is the only natural passage between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. The Strait of Magellan connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, near the Tierra del Fuego. The Bering Strait by Alaska connects the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.

Uses

• Straits are often used for commercial purposes by shipping boats. Many straits are protected by the concept of "innocent passage," meaning international passage is permitted for peaceful reasons like trade.