The Azov Sea

The Azov Sea, also known as the Sea of Azov, is a partially enclosed sea located in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It connects to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, which separates the Crimean Peninsula from the Krasnodar Krai region of Russia. 

Historically, the Azov Sea was much larger than it is today, covering an area of approximately 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 sq mi). The sea's size and shape have changed over time due to geological processes, such as tectonic plate movements and sedimentation. 

During the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, the sea was much smaller, but as the climate warmed up, it expanded into its current form. By around 5,000-6,000 years ago, the Azov Sea had become more defined, with the Kerch Strait separating the Crimean Peninsula from the Russian mainland. 

Today, the Azov Sea is approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles) long and 100-150 kilometers (62-93 miles) wide. Its surface area is about 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 sq mi).