In world physical geography, the Strait of Gibraltar connects which two major water bodies of the Atlantic and European region?

Introduction / Context:
Straits are narrow water passages that connect two larger seas or oceans, and they hold great importance for trade, navies and migration. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the best known examples and often appears in general knowledge and geography exams. Understanding which water bodies it connects helps in visualising the boundary between Europe and Africa and the link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The geographical feature is the Strait of Gibraltar. • It lies between southern Europe and northern Africa. • We must identify which two major water bodies it connects. • Options mention the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Persian Gulf in different combinations.

Concept / Approach:
The Strait of Gibraltar lies at the western entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. To its west is the Atlantic Ocean, and to its east is the Mediterranean Sea. The approach is therefore to select the pair that correctly names these two connected water bodies.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the map of Europe and north Africa. Spain and Morocco face each other across a narrow water gap. Step 2: Recognise that this gap is the Strait of Gibraltar. Step 3: On the west side of this strait lies the Atlantic Ocean, while on the east side spreads the Mediterranean Sea. Step 4: Check the options. The only pair that matches this description is Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Step 5: Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Black Sea and Persian Gulf are in different regions and are not adjacent to the Strait of Gibraltar. Step 6: Hence, the correct answer is Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard world map confirms that shipping routes from the Mediterranean towards the Americas pass out through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean. Textbooks on world geography repeatedly define this strait as the narrow link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. No authoritative source describes it as connecting the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Black Sea or Persian Gulf.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea: These are linked by the Suez Canal region in Egypt, not by the Strait of Gibraltar. Red Sea and Arabian Sea: These interact via the Gulf of Aden, not through Gibraltar. Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea: They are connected by the Turkish straits, such as the Bosporus and Dardanelles, not by Gibraltar. Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf: Connected via the Strait of Hormuz, which lies near Oman and Iran, not near Spain and Morocco.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes mix up the different famous straits of the world, especially Gibraltar, Hormuz, Bosporus and Malacca. Another error is to confuse the outlet of the Mediterranean in the west (Gibraltar) with the artificial Suez passage in the east. A useful memory aid is that Gibraltar stands between Spain and Morocco and always links the Atlantic with the Mediterranean.

Final Answer:
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.