South Meridian Sea

Alterra Long Sea Region

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Islands and continents of the Long Sea showing city states and local geographic features.

The South Meridian Sea is a portion of the larger Meridian Sea between Origin Island and Grand Campo North. Hemmed in by the Straight of COS and the Ayorhah sub-continent.

Geography

A sea bounded by the straight of COS to the west, the Bessam Gulf on the east, Origin Island to the north and Ayorhahan coast to the south. The sea has a maximum depth of 2354 feet and an average depth of 255 feet.

Ecosystem

The coasts of the sea have the most life with large schools of migratory fish, predators, birds, dinosaurs, and some large reptiles. Whales and other mammals are seasonally common as they pass through from the Aroland ocean and the larger Meridian Sea. The equatorial zone to the north brings hot air currents south and condenses clouds that will sweep south then east. There is a circular warm water current that conveys hot equatorial water from the Meridian sea south to the coasts keeping the water and air temperatures higher. This moves nutrients from the coasts toward the center allowing for suspected life deep in the ocean. Even in the time of the ancients there is little record of the ecosystem in those depths.

Ecosystem Cycles

Temperatures are fairly even throughout the year, but precipitation can vary greatly. The winter months are wet but warm, the spring is usually foggy, the summers are dry, and the autumn brings cyclones, usually one every other month.
This sea is the migration zone for dozens of species of fish, bird and mammals and the apex predators that follow. This sea is also known for its share of dragons and other monsters that take advantage of the sparsely inhabited coasts and year round prey.

Localized Phenomena

There are areas known for whirlpools along the coasts from the strong currents that sometimes form along the complicated rock formations deep in the sea. The largest reported was 25 feet in diameter can could swallow a long boat.

Climate

Tropical along its coasts. The coast of Origin Island is a mix of desert and jungle. Along the Grand Campo it is jungle, and along the Ayorhah coast savannas.

Fauna & Flora

This sea is home to a large variety of sharks, predatory sport fish such as marlins barracudas and Tuna. These large fish are prized as a few dozen hauled in can supply a city's fish markets for days. Human populations are getting large enough that they have over fished some bays, forcing them to sail in to more dangerous waters.
Dragons play a role in the ecosystem as the ultimate apex predators. They may patrol their hunting ground and threaten humanoids who venture in them, creating reserve areas.
Birds that migrate between landmasses can be found along the coasts fattening up before their long flights to nesting grounds.

Natural Resources

Saltpeter and guano from birds can be mined in some areas and is focused around seasonal nesting grounds in some rocky cliff areas. This is mined for components to gun powder and fertilizer.
Wind power is common along the southern coasts as there is a constant wind. This is used to drive various mills and industries. This also contributes to it being a transit corridor as there are rarely still seas, but that is also followed by strong storms as well.

History

Seen from orbit prior to crashing this area has been home to various humanoid species for 6000 years. It was crossed by the Ayorhah peoples in the first century by boat in their great migration away from Origin Island.
There are many shipwrecks across this sea from the millennia of trade, wars, and exploration that has occurred. It is a treacherous sea with many dangers and rough weather so there are many lost vessels. However the trade opportunities to bridge between 4 major civilizations makes the risks worth it.