Why Are the Caspian and Aral Sea Called Seas?

When traveling through the continents, it's common to come across regions with bodies of water that are sometimes referred to as seas, lakes, or even lakes. This nomenclature can be confusing, especially in the case of the Caspian and Aral Seas—bodies of water that are technically classified as lakes but are referred to as seas. Let's break down the reasons why these regions are known as seas, despite their actual nature.

Historical Context

Both the Caspian and Aral Seas have historical roots that justify their naming as seas.

Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed lake in the world and is termed a sea due to multiple factors. Historically, the term "sea" was used more loosely than today, often applied to large bodies of water. The Caspian's sheer size and the fact that it is the largest inland body of water contribute to its classification as a sea, though technically, it is neither a saltwater sea nor a freshwater lake. Instead, it is a unique body of water with a salinity level of about 13-18‰, still less than full ocean salinity.

It is believed that the historical naming conventions of the Caspian are tied to the ancient Persians who called the region "see," meaning water. The cultural and linguistic factors also played into the persistent use of the term "sea" over the centuries. The final name "Caspian Sea" was officially recognized internationally in the 19th century, further cementing its status as a sea.

Aral Sea

The Aral Sea had a similar historical significance, despite significant changes to its size and form over time. The Aral Sea, initially described as a giant lake with vast fishing resources, became one of the world's largest inland bodies of water. However, due to Soviet irrigation policies and overuse of water resources, its size dramatically diminished. Despite this, the term "sea" remained, carrying the weight of its historical importance and cultural significance.

Geographical Characteristics

Beyond historical reasons, the geographical characteristics of the Caspian and Aral Seas also contribute to their classification as seas.

Salinity

Both the Caspian and Aral Seas have higher salinity levels than typical freshwater lakes, which is a crucial factor in their classification. The Caspian has a salinity of about 13-18‰, while the Aral Sea had a salinity of upwards of 40‰ before its depletion began. The high salinity of these bodies of water contributes to their resemblance to marine environments.

Size and Morphology

The sheer size of the Caspian and Aral Seas is another reason they are referred to as seas. Large lakes can be colloquially termed as seas, especially when they have historical or cultural significance. For instance, the Caspian Sea's cultural and historical prominence has given it a lasting legacy as a sea, even as it is now an enclosed body of water.

Cultural and Linguistic Factors

The use of the term "sea" for the Caspian and Aral Seas is deeply rooted in cultural and linguistic traditions. In many languages, the term "sea" has a broader meaning than in English, encompassing large bodies of water that are not strictly seas in the scientific sense.

In the ancient world, "sea" was a common term for large bodies of water, whether they were saltwater seas or freshwater lakes. The Caspian's salinity and historical significance have contributed to it being called a sea, even when its classification might change due to salinity levels.

Conclusion

In summary, the Caspian and Aral Seas are called seas due to a combination of historical naming conventions, their geographical characteristics such as size and salinity, and cultural factors. Despite being technically classified as lakes, their traditional names persist and hold cultural and historical significance.