02.MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Treasures of the Big Blue

Ground floor

The Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean is a deep, semi-enclosed sea with low tidal levels. Surrounding by hot and arid lands, it undergoes significant evaporation that is counterbalanced by the freshwater it receives from rainfall and rivers, as well as salt water from the Atlantic.

Although the clear Mediterranean waters are notable for lack of plankton, one cannot ignore the number of species found there. In fact, for a surface area representing only 1% of oceans, the Mediterranean contains 7% of the world’s animals.

This density is due to the fact that it benefits from 3 population sources. 75% of its species originate in the Atlantic. 20% are endemic, and found only in the Mediterranean.

Underwater caves

400,000 years ago, subterranean waters dug the caves in emerging limestone. They were than invaded by the sea, and have the same characteristics as those found in deeper waters: darkness, calm, and invariable temperature. Algae and large upright organisms at the entrance give way to a carpet of calcareous algae, sponges, worms, and red coral.

Common Octopus

Octopus vulgaris

Red Coral

Corallium rubrum

European Spiny Lobster

Palinurus elephas

9 places of discovery

01.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

03.

Open sea and jellyfish

04.

CARIBBEAN SEA

05.

INDO-PACIFIC REGION

06.

Sharks

07.

MARINE TURTLES

08.

TROPICAL FOREST

09.

Gallery of Lights

10.

CHILDREN'S VOYAGE

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