Why is the Black Sea black?

• The sea was first named by the ancient Greeks who called it "Inhospitable Sea." The sea got this
reputation because it was difficult to navigate, and hostile tribes inhabited its shores

• Metal objects from ships, dead plants, and animal matter that sunk deeper than 150 meters for a
long period of time became covered with a black sludge due to the high concentration of
hydrogen sulfide in the sea.
• From the perspective of sailors, the sea was black due to severe storms in the winter, during
which the water is so dark it looks black.

Why is the Red Sea red? The Red Sea's name is a direct translation of its ancient Greek name, Erythra
Thalassa.

Why is the White Sea white? One theory suggests that the name comes from the fact that the sea is
covered with ice most of the year. Others believe that the name originates from the whitish color of the
water, reflecting the northern sky.

Why is the Yellow Sea yellow? A possible reason for its name may come from the distinctive brownish-
yellow color of the water that flows in from the Yellow River, which carries huge amounts of silt from
the upper plains.