Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
  2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Notes:
  • The Red Sea region receives very little precipitation in any form, although prehistoric artifacts indicate that there were periods with greater amounts of rainfall. In general, the climate is conducive to outdoor activity in fall, winter, and spring—except during windstorms— with temperatures varying between 8 and 28 °C. Summer temperatures, however, are much higher, up to 40 °C, and relative humidity is high, rendering vigorous activity unpleasant. In the northern part of the Red Sea area, extending down to 19° N, the prevailing winds are north to northwest.
  • Generally speaking, the average salinity of the oceans is 35.2 ppt, about 35 parts of salt in 1000 parts of water. In the Red Sea where there is much surface evaporation and fewer rivers to bring in fresh water, the average salinity increases to 39 ppt. While there are no significant rivers that drain into the Red Sea there are small rivulets that flow into the red sea and it may not be entirely correct to say that no water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
    • Here are some of the major rivers that drain into the Red Sea:
      • Nile River: Although primarily associated with the Mediterranean, the Nile River also has some tributaries that flow into the Red Sea through Sudan.
      • Barka River: Also known as the Baraka River, it flows through the Barka Valley in Eritrea and drains into the Red Sea.
      • Hadas River: Located in northern Eritrea, the Hadas River is another watercourse that eventually reaches the Red Sea.
      • Anseba River: This river flows through central Eritrea, and its waters also reach the Red Sea.
      • Wadi Gasus: A wadi (seasonal river) in Eritrea that flows into the Red Sea during the rainy season.
      • Aqiq River: Located in western Saudi Arabia, the Aqiq River flows into the Red Sea near the city of Yanbu.
      • Wadi Arar: A seasonal river in Saudi Arabia that drains into the Red Sea near the city of Duba.
      • Wadi Sha’ib: Another seasonal river in Saudi Arabia that empties into the Red Sea.