Strait of Magellan

Strait of Magellan

Strait of Magellan c.330 mi (530 km) long and 2 1/2 to 15 mi (4–24 km) wide, separating South America from Tierra del Fuego and other islands south of the continent. Except for a few miles at its eastern end in Argentina, it passes through Chile. The strait, discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, was important in the days of sailing ships, especially before the building of the Panama Canal , and is still used by ships rounding South America. One of the most scenic waterways in the world, it affords an inland passage protected from almost continuous ocean storms. However, the strait is often foggy. The major city on the strait is Punta Arenas, on the mainland.

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"Strait of Magellan." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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Magellan, Strait of

Magellan, Strait of (Spanish: Estrecho de Magallanes), Chile Discovered in 1520 by, and named after, Ferdinand Magellan.

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JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Magellan, Strait of." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Magellan, Strait of." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-MagellanStraitof.html

JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Magellan, Strait of." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-MagellanStraitof.html

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Strait of Magellan. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)