The Mysterious World of Water: Oceans, Coastlines, and the Coastline Paradox

Water covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, and it's no surprise that water is essential for life. Humans are made up of roughly 60% water, while other living things are even more water-dominant: potatoes contain about 80% water, watermelons are 93% water, and cucumbers are a whopping 95% water.

Despite how integral water is to life on Earth, we still don't understand all that much about it, especially the oceans, which make up the bulk of Earth's water supply. In fact, we've only explored about 5% to 10% of Earth's oceans. The rest is a vast, largely unexplored frontier. What's in the depths? We don’t know. And what we've already discovered is often more bizarre than we could have imagined. Take the blobfish, which is famous for its unusual appearance, or the barreleye fish, whose transparent head lets it see in all directions. These oddities are just a glimpse of the many strange creatures that live in the deep, dark ocean.

The deeper you go into the ocean, the stranger things get. In the darkest parts, where sunlight can't penetrate, life thrives in ways we can barely comprehend. From bioluminescent creatures to bizarre ecosystems around hydrothermal vents, we are still uncovering the mysteries of the deep. What’s at the very bottom of the ocean? For the most part, it remains a mystery.

While most of the ocean is hidden beneath the waves, the coastlines where the land meets the sea are much more accessible. Countries that are bordered by water often use coastlines to mark their territorial boundaries. But the very concept of a "coastline" can be deceptively complicated. The coastline is defined as the boundary between the land and the sea. It’s where the land touches the water, but it’s not a simple, straight line. Coastlines are constantly shifting and curving, with bays, peninsulas, coves, and cliffs constantly changing the shape of the land.

This irregularity makes measuring coastlines a tricky endeavour. Even small changes in the coastline's shape—like tiny inlets or peninsulas—can add up to significant distances when measured in total. The famous “coastline paradox” highlights this issue: if you measure the coastline of a country or a continent, the measurement can change depending on the scale you use. The more detailed your measurement (i.e., the smaller the units you use), the longer the coastline seems to become. A tiny indentation or curve that wouldn’t register on a large-scale map can add significant length when measured more precisely.

Take the United States, for example. The U.S. has coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but the length of its coastline is not easy to pin down. The exact measurement varies depending on the method used. The coastline of Alaska alone is over 33,000 miles, and including the mainland U.S., Hawaii, and other territories can push the total length to over 95,000 miles. But even that number might not be accurate, as it’s difficult to account for every tiny bay, inlet, and cove.

The irregularities of coastlines are a fundamental part of why measuring them is so difficult. In fact, surveyors have long taken shortcuts to simplify the process—often by straightening out the jagged lines of the coastline into more manageable segments. As a result, the numbers you find online for any given coastline may differ dramatically, depending on the method of measurement. It’s not just a question of geography but of perspective.

So, the next time you look at a map or hear about the length of a coastline, remember it's not a simple, fixed number. The coastline itself is constantly shifting, with the tides, erosion, and other natural forces at work. The boundaries between land and sea are far more complex than they might appear.

55.8617° N, 4.2583° W

Glasgow, Scotland

55.8617° N

The 55th parallel north is a line of latitude that winds its way across the globe, connecting far-flung cities with surprising similarities. From the frozen tundra of Canada to the bustling streets of Europe, this invisible thread weaves together diverse cultures and landscapes.

A Polar Parallel

Let's begin our journey in the icy embrace of Thompson, Manitoba. This Canadian city, nestled amidst the boreal forests, shares a frigid kinship with Glasgow. Despite the vast geographical divide, both cities experience long, cold winters and the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis.

As we continue our eastward trek, we arrive in Grande Prairie, Alberta. This city, situated in the heart of Canada's oil sands region, offers a stark contrast to Thompson's wilderness. Its modern urban landscape and rich cultural tapestry, however, share a common thread with Glasgow: a resilient spirit and a strong sense of community.

A Continental Divide

Our journey takes us across the vast expanse of Russia, where we encounter the iconic city of Moscow. This sprawling metropolis, a testament to Russia's historical and cultural significance, shares a surprising connection with Glasgow. Both cities have played pivotal roles in their respective countries' industrial revolutions and have evolved into major cultural and economic centres.

A European Tapestry

As we move westward across Europe, we encounter a string of charming cities, each with its unique character. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and idyllic canals. Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, offers a fairytale atmosphere with its picturesque streets and historic buildings.

Further east, we find the Baltic states of Lithuania and Latvia. Klaipėda, a major port city on the Baltic Sea, shares a maritime heritage with Glasgow. Šiauliai, Panevėžys, and Daugavpils are smaller cities with a rich history and a strong sense of national identity.

A United Kingdom Connection

Our journey concludes in the United Kingdom, where we find the cities of Derry, Newcastle upon Tyne, and South Shields. These cities, located on the northern coast of England and Ireland, share a common cultural heritage with Glasgow. They have a long history of shipbuilding, mining, and heavy industry, and have undergone significant regeneration in recent years.

While these cities may be separated by vast distances and diverse cultures, they are united by a shared latitude. The 55th parallel north is more than just a line on a map; it is a thread that weaves together the tapestry of human history and experience.