A narrow passage of water connecting two large water bodies.
Explanation
Geographical features are often defined by the specific arrangement of land and water. Terms such as strait, isthmus, and peninsula describe how landmasses and water bodies connect or separate.
Analysis of Options:
- A narrow strip of land joining two landmasses. is incorrect: A narrow strip of land joining two larger landmasses is defined as an Isthmus (e.g., the Isthmus of Panama).
- A narrow passage of water connecting two large water bodies. is correct: A Strait is a narrow passage of water that connects two larger water bodies, such as seas or oceans. Prominent examples include the Palk Strait (between India and Sri Lanka) and the Strait of Gibraltar (between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea).
- A large landmass surrounded by water on three sides. is incorrect: A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides is defined as a Peninsula (e.g., the Indian Peninsula).
- A deep trench in the ocean floor. is incorrect: A deep depression in the ocean floor is known as an Ocean Trench (e.g., the Mariana Trench).
Key Takeaway:
The primary distinction is that a Strait is a water channel connecting two water bodies, while an Isthmus is a land strip connecting two landmasses.