Western Asia the Mediterranean Sea. To the north, the region is delimited from Europe by the Caucasus Mountains, to the southwest, it is delimited from Africa by the Isthmus of Suez, while to the east, the region adjoins Central Asia and South Asia. The Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut deserts in eastern Iran naturally delimit the region somewhat from Asia itself. Three major tectonic plates converge on Western Asia, including the African, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The boundaries between the tectonic plates make up the Azores-Gibraltar Ridge, extending across North Africa, the Red Sea, and into Iran. The Arabian Plate is moving
Turgai Sea separated Europe from Asia." The division of the Eurasian landmass by the Turgai Sea had the effect of isolating animal populations. Perhaps best known to laypeople were the horned dinosaurs called Ceratopsia of the Cretaceous Period, which were restricted to Asia and western North America (which were connected for much of this era). The existence of the Turgai Sea also restricted various freshwater fish and amphibians. The Turgai Sea derives its name from a region of modern-day Kazakhstan, with its Turgai River and Turgai Valley. Turgai Sea The Turgai (or Turgay) Sea or Turgai Strait, also known as the West