What term is used to describe areas of the globe that are significantly impacted by shipping traffic?

The term that best describes areas of the globe significantly impacted by shipping traffic is known as choke points. Choke points are strategic narrow passages or areas where shipping traffic is concentrated due to geographical, navigational, or economic reasons. These locations often create bottlenecks where a large volume of maritime trade must pass through, leading to increased vessel traffic and potential congestion.

For instance, well-known choke points like the Strait of Hormuz or the Panama Canal serve crucial roles in global shipping by connecting major trade routes. The significance of choke points extends beyond just geographical characteristics; they often affect global commerce, security, and environmental considerations, making them critical areas for mariners to understand and navigate.

Other options describe related concepts but do not capture the essence of significant impact due to traffic concentration as accurately as "choke points." Shipping zones may suggest broad areas used for shipping but do not imply the same level of strategic importance. Trade routes refer to the paths that vessels take but do not specifically convey areas of concentrated impact. Traffic corridors could be interpreted as pathways used by vessels but lack the connotation of strategic significance and bottleneck dynamics that choke points provide.