A boundary that is not a line
The Strait lies within a region where Africa and Eurasia converge, but deformation is distributed across hundreds of kilometres and several geological systems.
A regional figure, not a rule for channel width
The rate comes from plate models and geodesy. Some deformation is accommodated across the Gulf of Cádiz, Gibraltar Arc, Betics, Rif and Alboran Sea.
Convergence, lateral motion and deep processes
Current research describes an interaction among plate convergence, deep slab dynamics and mantle flow. There is therefore no single “Strait fault” from which a linear closure can be extrapolated.
- Motion is not perpendicular to the entire coastline.
- Local velocities can differ from the regional average.
- Topography also changes through uplift, erosion and sedimentation.
Accumulated regional motion
Since you opened this page, an idealised 4.5 mm/yr model would have accumulated:
Time required to cover 14 km if all convergence acted directly across the width at constant speed. This is not a forecast.
The Camarinal Sill controls deep exchange
The submarine geometry is not uniform. The sill acts as a hydraulic control on Atlantic–Mediterranean water exchange and is also a key area for fixed-link studies.