Gibraltar, STRAITS OF

Gibraltar, STRAITS OF (anciently the Straits of Hercules), connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. They narrow toward the east, their width between Point Europa and Cape Ceuta being only 15 miles, at the western extremity 24; the narrowest part measures 9 miles. The length (from east to west) is 36 miles. A constant surface-current which runs in from the Atlantic is counterbalanced by an under-current from the Mediterranean.