TheMolucca Sea (Indonesian:Laut Maluku;Indonesian pronunciation:[ˌlaʊt̪̚maˈluku]) is located in the westernPacific Ocean, around the vicinity ofIndonesia, specifically bordered by the Indonesian Islands ofCelebes (Sulawesi) to the west, Halmahera to the east, and theSula Islands to the south. The Molucca Sea has a total surface area of 77,000 square miles (200,000 square kilometres). The Molucca Sea is rich incoral and has many diving sites due to the deepness of its waters. The deepness of the water explains the reasoning behind dividing the sea into three zones, which functions to transport water from the Pacific Ocean to the shallower seas surrounding it. The deepest hollow in the Molucca Sea is the 15,780-foot (4,810-meter)Batjan (Indonesian:Bacan) basin. This region is known for its periodic experiences of earthquakes, which stems from the sea itself being a micro plate, in which the Molucca Sea is being subducted in two opposite directions: one in the direction of theEurasian Plate to the west and the other in the direction of thePhilippine Sea Plate to the east.
Celebes Sea, with the Molucca Sea to the southeast
The islands bordering the Molucca Sea includeHalmahera to the north east,Taliabu andMangole in the centre, andSulawesi to the west. TheTalaud Islands to the north are considered to be the northern border the sea, though theMolucca Sea Plate, the tectonic plate named after the sea, extends further north.
On the East. By the West coast of Morotai from Tanjong Sopi as far south as Wajaboela (2°17′N128°12′E / 2.283°N 128.200°E /2.283; 128.200), thence a line to the Northern point ofHalmahera and down its West coast to Tanjong Libolo, its Southern extreme.
On the South. A line from the Southern extreme of Halmahera to the North point of Bisa (Setile) Island, thence to the Northern extreme ofObi Major, through this island to Tanjong Ake Lamo, its Southwestern point, thence to Tanjong Dehekolano, the Eastern extremity of the Soela [Sula] Islands, along their Northern coasts to Tanjong Marikasoe, the Western extreme, thence a line to the Southeast point ofBanggai Island (1°43′S123°36′E / 1.717°S 123.600°E /-1.717; 123.600).
