The Transition from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea: A Geographical Guide
The Atlantic Ocean transitions into the North Sea at a specific point, specifically around the area of the Strait of Dover, located at the northern end of the English Channel. This point is generally considered the boundary between the two bodies of water. The North Sea is bordered by several countries, including the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Due to its unique geographical characteristics, the boundaries of the North Sea and all the oceans and seas of the world have been accurately defined by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which sets international standards for ocean charts.
Geographical Boundaries of the North Sea
The North Sea is bounded by the island of Great Britain on the west. It is also bordered by the western shores of Holland, Germany, and Denmark on the east and to the south by the English Channel. On the north side, the boundary extends to the Norwegian Sea. For a more precise understanding, one can assume a vertical line above the Orkney Islands.
Definition by the International Hydrographic Organization
The well-defined boundaries of the North Sea, as well as other oceans and seas, have been established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). According to the IHO, the Southern and Western boundary of the North Sea is described as:
A line joining the Walde Lighthouse in France (155E) and Leathercoat Point in England (51N).
The Northern boundary begins at Dunnet Head (322W) in Scotland, extends to Tor Ness (5847N) in the Island of Hoy, thence through this island to the Kame of Hoy (5855N), and proceeds to Breck Ness on Mainland (5858N) through this island to Costa Head (314W) and to Inga Ness (59Wray), and then across to Bow Head, Mull Head (North point of Papa Westray), and on to Seal Skerry (North point of North Ronaldsay), and thence to Horse Island (South point of the Shetland Islands).
The Northeastern boundary starts from the North point Fethaland Point of the Mainland of the Shetland Islands, across to Graveland Ness (6039N) in the Island of Yell, then through Yell to Gloup Ness (104W) and across to Spoo Ness (6045N) in Unst Island, through Unst to Herma Ness (60point of the Rumblings), to Muckle Flugga (6051N 053W) all these points being included in the North Sea area. It then proceeds up the meridian of 053 West to the parallel of 6100 North and eastward along this parallel to the coast of Norway, the whole of Viking Bank being thus included in the North Sea.
A visual representation of this area is available here.
Further Reading and Resources
The document containing these definitions of the North Sea and other oceans and seas can be found in the provided PDF.
For a more comprehensive understanding, refer to the following resources:
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Natural Environment Historical Chart of Bass Strait Boundaries Atlantic Ocean Boundaries