Source: TOI
Context: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck the Andaman Sea near Malaysia, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology.
About Andaman Sea:
- Location and Neighbouring Nations
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- Located in the northeastern Indian Ocean, between latitudes 4°N to 20°N and longitudes 92°E to 100°E.
- Bordered by Myanmar to the north and east, Thailand and Malaysia to the east, and Indonesia’s Sumatra to the south.
- Separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India) to the west.
- Rivers Flowing into the Andaman Sea:
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- The Irrawaddy River (Myanmar) is the major river, depositing vast amounts of silt into the sea.
- Key Features:
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- Major Islands: Andaman and Nicobar Islands (India), Breueh Island (north of Sumatra).
- Trench: Andaman-Nicobar Trench, with depths exceeding 14,500 feet (4,400 metres).
- Volcanic Activity: Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located here.
- Coral Reefs: Rich biodiversity with extensive coral reefs, popular for tourism.
- Strategic Importance:
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- Major shipping route between India and China via the Strait of Malacca.
- Key sea link for Myanmar through ports like Yangon, Bassein, and Mergui.
