Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line?

Correct Option (b):

The International Date Line (IDL) primarily follows the 180° meridian of longitude through the Pacific Ocean. The Bering Strait, which separates the Chukchi Peninsula of Russia (Asia) from the Seward Peninsula of Alaska (North America), is situated in close proximity to this meridian. It is the nearest major strait to the International Date Line. Within the strait, the Diomede Islands are divided by the IDL, with Big Diomede (Russia) and Little Diomede (USA) experiencing a calendar day difference due to their positions on opposite sides of the line.

Incorrect Options:

Malacca Strait:

This strait is located in Southeast Asia, between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is geographically distant from the International Date Line.

Strait of Florida:

This strait lies between the U.S. state of Florida and Cuba, connecting the Gulf of Mexico with the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated in the Western Atlantic, far from the International Date Line.

Strait of Gibraltar:

This strait connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, separating the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) from Morocco (Africa). It is located in the Eastern Atlantic, far from the International Date Line.