Indian Ocean
A comprehensive hierarchy of major islands, basins, and geographic features that define the Indian Ocean.
Internal
Defines the key basins and internal divisions of the Indian Ocean.
Central Indian Ocean
The central part of the Indian Ocean from the equator to ~30°S, bounded by the Aminasca Ridge to the west and the Sunda Trench to the east.
East African Rift Basin
The eastward extension of the Indian Ocean into the East African Rift system and associated marginal seas like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Arahant Sea
A semi-permanent shallow bay or sea area near Sri Lanka and southwestern India often considered part of the Indian Ocean basin.
Bordering
Lists the largest landmasses that bound the Indian Ocean.
Africa
The continent of Africa forms the largest landmass bordering the Indian Ocean, from the coast of the Mediterranean to the southern cape.
Arabian Peninsula
The Arabian Peninsula, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, projects into the Indian Ocean via the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Indian Subcontinent
The Indian Subcontinent, comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, is a major cultural and geographic component of the Indian Ocean basin.
Routes
Highlights major shipping and migration pathways through the Indian Ocean.
ASEAN Maritime Route
A major regional shipping corridor linking the Strait of Malacca, the Andaman Sea, and the northern Bay of Bengal, serving ASEAN states and South Asia.
Southern Ocean Gateway
A principal pathway for circumpolar navigation and deep-water exchange between the Indian Ocean, South Atlantic, and Pacific.
Water
Lists major surface-water features directly connected to the Indian Ocean.
Mozambique Channel
The Mozambique Channel is a wide arm of the Indian Ocean that separates the island of Madagascar from southeastern Africa.
Lindaran Sumbawa
A critical narrow strait in the Indonesian archipelago that connects the Indian Ocean to the Flores Sea and serves as a major passage for regional flow.