But its not just another waterway. The accident resulted in the deaths of 11 workers and caused a massive, ongoing oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Season of Gulf of Mexico: The hurricane season officially begins at the beginning of June and ends in late November. In addition to this, the Gulf of Mexico provides critical habitats, feeding, and nursery grounds for the five species of endangered sea turtles that reside in its waters. Go the Distance. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded visiting our coast while migrating southward. Photo credit: NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program. 1. Long COVID patients turn to unproven treatments, Why evenings can be harder on people with dementia, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, This sacred site could be Georgias first national park, See glow-in-the-dark mushrooms in Brazils other rainforest, 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. You may commission us to create customized maps, infographics and stories as well. Various waterfowl, shorebirds, coral reef, and endangered sea turtles establish their habitats in the Gulf of Mexico which is crucial to their survival. A study has dated the coral to be at least 2,000 years old. The Gulf of Mexico is believed to contain over 660 quadrillion gallons of water. Some of the notable species include Blacktip shark, Bonnethead shark, Bull shark, Great hammerhead shark, Lemon shark, Nurse shark, and Sand Tiger Shark. That project also supported efforts in the characterization of surface oil spills from . Click on a 1 degree by 1 degree square for access to low and high resolution images. During this period the conditions are favorable for the development of hurricanes. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/geography-of-the-gulf-of-mexico-1435544. Despite what we know, there is much to be discovered in the depths of the Sigsbee Deep as there has been little exploration since its discovery. . Consequently it has access to all the survey data that private companies collect. On April 20, 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon platform caused the largest oil spill in history. Look forBeach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets. Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also called Gulf of Mexico oil spill, largest marine oil spill in history, caused by an April 20, 2010, explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil riglocated in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles (66 km) off the coast of Louisiana and its subsequent sinking on April 22. Some bivalve species that are found here include oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops. A gulf is an inlet of the ocean into the land. Thats great news when it comes to reaching those shipwrecks. Expect southerly winds, gentle to moderate for the eastern Gulf, and moderate to occasional fresh at the western Gulf. Half of the crater is located on land while the other half is under the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. key transcendentalist beliefs, an overview of the movement's history, and key players. The Gulf of Mexico encompasses around 617,800 square miles of water and stretches around 932 miles across from east to west. Endangered marine species such as sperm whales and West Indian manatees are found in the gulf along with nearly 50 shark species like tiger and bull sharks. Left, scientists launch a seafloor sampling device off a research vessel into the Gulf of Mexico. The Chicxulub Crater is a large impact crater that is buried underneath the Yucatn Peninsula in Mexico. When the guns fire, they create sound waves that travel down and are reflected back up by the sea floor. The deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico is Sigsbee Deep, which has an estimated depth of around 14,383 feet. Cleanupand fines cost BP $65 billion. The Gulf of Mexico supports huge populations of fishes. The Flower Garden Banks are brightly colored coral reefs that are located about 185km to the southeast of Galveston, in the northwestern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Its considered one of the worst natural disasters in history, and efforts to reverse some of the damage that was caused are still ongoing. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, How cosmic rays helped find a tunnel in Egypt's Great Pyramid, Who first rode horses? The Gulf of Mexico is shallower, saltier, and warmer than the Atlantic Ocean. Recreation and the tourism sector are important industries in the regions that surround the Gulf of Mexico. The United States' proposal to rename the 23 52 N 91 35 W point "Mexico basin was rejected while the ACUF Mexico basin with "Sigsbee deep" as an alternate name is given in the NGA database as 25 N 92 W.[4][5], There are other features with BGN approved names in the region in recognition of this pioneer in deep ocean sounding and commander of the first true bathymetric survey of the Gulf of Mexico conducted while commanding USC&GS George S. Blake:[4][6], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}2352N 9135W / 23.867N 91.583W / 23.867; -91.583, The name "Sigsbee Deep" has sometimes been applied to. Without a doubt, the sugar-white sand beaches on the Alabama and Florida gulf coast are among the most beautiful on the planet. Fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico make up about of the total catch in the US. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. They said this would protect shipping, and in the event of an emergency, rescue would be nearby. Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Currently, there are about 27,000 wells, both oil and gas, that have been drilled and abandoned in the Gulf. To the southeast, it's bounded by the Caribbean Sea and Cuba. It is rumored that they buried some of their stolen loot on the bay. 8. Although it is rare to see sharks in our waters, around 50 species call the Gulf of Mexico home. Every day, 30A shares Beach Happy stories and eco-conscious products with millions of fans worldwide. Off the sands in Florida lies a 360-mile stretch of coral Reefs which developed 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. At its deepest point the bottom is 2.7 miles underwater, but most of the Gulf is much shallower. Interested in early American history? The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 1,600 meters, or 5,200 feet. Oil and gas interests generate about $124 billion, nearly half the sum generated by all industries combined. The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of Gulf Of Mexico on the map, which is located in the Veracruz, Texas, Florida state (La Perla, Fayette, Clay). Eleven people died in the explosion and an estimated 5,000 barrels of oil per day leaked into the Gulf of Mexico from the 18,000-foot (5,486 m) well on the platform. Brown pelicans and laughing gulls were among the species most affected. Fishermen found Heather Strickland's body in a trash bag miles off the coast of Pinellas County, Florida, in December 2022. This has led to the creation of dead zones in the Gulf Region, which runs east-west for over 22,730 km2 along the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. They are known to be one of the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. Scientists think the salt probably accumulated around the time when Africa was just starting to separate from the Americas around 200 million years ago. The black coral is a notoriously slow grower, growing 2,000 times slower than human fingernails. Seabirds, fish, and reptiles are abundant, as well as bottlenose dolphins, a large population of sperm whales, and sea turtles. But it wasnt good enough for biologists who needed a more detailed picture of the area around the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill so they could assess the ecological damage. Beach Happy ???????? Fishing is productive in the Gulf because of the connection with tidal streams and local estuaries. In the United States the population of the coastal regions surrounding the Gulf of Mexico is estimated to number more than 60 million people by 2025, as states such as Texas (the second most populous state) and Florida (the third most populous state) are growing quickly. For-Hire Fishing Permits in the Gulf of Mexico All Recreational Anglers need a saltwater recreational fishing license or registration from a state or U.S. territory except Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. The two designs are sized and analyzed for the new Gulf of Mexico metocean criteria. The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. The Gulfs basin is unusually flat, with a gradient of only about 1 foot per every 8,000 feet. It is estimated that around 10,000 bottlenose dolphins live in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Her family is still awaiting justice. "Geography of the Gulf of Mexico." These skeletons may have the answer, Scientists are making advancements in birth controlfor men, Blood cleaning? "By clicking OK or by using this Website, you consent to the use of cookies. Thus, in 1559, Tristn de Luna y Arellano landed at Pensacola Bay and established a settlement. They are often connected to the ocean by narrow water passages but that is not always observed in all geographical areas. Since that time thousands of wells have followed. These complex ecosystems include corals, fish, anemones, sponges, and sea cucumbers-but limited knowledge about these habitats creates challenges for their restoration. n o date, more than $11.6 billion has been paid to Gulf-area T The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most important offshore petroleum . Shannon's experience as a pet parent shapes her writing and empowers her to produce informative and engaging content. Without any opposing force, oil began to discharge into the gulf. A sea lily (Crinoidea) rests in the middle of a mushroom coral (Anthomastus sp.) To complete your Gulf of Mexico knowledge, we also go over all the key information you should know about its physical geography and history. . The shores of the Gulf of Mexico also serve as important habitats for different shorebirds and waterfowls. They are fragile, ancient, and vital to the marine ecosystem. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's Undersea Features History. There are 7 barrier islands along the northwest portion of the Gulf of Mexico, one of which, South Padre. It borders the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as well as the island of Cuba and parts of Mexico. The deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico, Sigsbee Deep, is estimated to be around 14,383 feet deep while the average depth is around 5,300 feet. nutrient-enriched waters from the deep by a process known as upwelling, which stimulates plankton growth in the euphotic zone. Scientists just confirmed a 30-foot void first detected inside the monument years ago. Both cores were likely too weak to withstand the pressure because they were composed of a concrete mixture that used nitrogen gas to accelerate curing. environmental disaster, Gulf of Mexico [2010]. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. Here are 11 facts about the geography of the region: The Gulf of Mexico likely formed as a result of seafloor subsidence (or the gradual sinking of the seafloor) about 300 million years ago. Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. Louisiana is an especially important stop along their journey between Latin America and the breeding grounds in North America with nearly 2.5 million landing each day to rest. Its no secret that the best seafood comes from the Gulf, which is why 75% of the shrimp in the United States comes from the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is an important economic region for all the three countries (Cuba, Mexico, and United States) that border it. Watch These Elk Ramming Cars at Yellowstone,, Rare Footage Shows How Killer Whale Packs, Watch a Lioness Save Her Zookeeper When the Male Lion Attacks Him Point-Blank, Watch These Elk Ramming Cars at Yellowstone, and Showing Their True Size, A Clash of Two Lion Prides Ends When This Monster Shows Up, Watch a Gargantuan Komodo Dragon Effortlessly Swallow a Wild Boar in One Gulp, The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off Florida Waters, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, Watch This Huge Komodo Dragon Flex Its Power and Swallow a Shark Whole, Real Life Jaws Spotted 30ft Great White Shark By Boat, The Gulf of Mexico was a trade route dating back to the. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. Nice beaches and all, and warm for nine months a year, but if youre going anywhere west of about 85 degrees longitude, youll have the argument with yourself about cutting the corner across the Gulf. The Gulf of Mexico was likely formed roughly 300 million years ago when part of the ocean floor gradually sank due to plate tectonics. Lines of underwater microphones pulled along the surface behind the ship record how long it takes the reflected waves to reach them, data that can then be translated into topography. These nutrients favor the growth of algae and results in an algal bloom. "Sigsbee Deep" applied to the entire deep basin appears on some of the earliest charts of the Gulf of Mexico. (Weird fact: not all black coral is black.). The Florida Panhandle becomes a magical realm when you put on scuba gear, dive in the ocean, and breathe underwater. It is enclosed largely by North America. "Flaming Oil Rig Sinks in Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is somewhat shallow, along the coastal continental shelf areas, and has an average depth of 1,615m. The basin is roughly circular in shape and approximately 810 nautical miles (1,500 km) wide. The Gulf of Mexico produces nearly 20% of all U.S. crude oil. Natural gas wasnt far behind, comprising 47 percent of the U.S. totals. Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also called Gulf of Mexico oil spill, largest marine oil spill in history, caused by an April 20, 2010, explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil riglocated in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles (66 km) off the coast of Louisianaand its subsequent sinking on April 22. As per different reports, about 11 people had lost their lives and about 5,000 barrels of oil/day had leaked into the Gulf of Mexico from the 5,486m deep well on the platform. It has been estimated that these islands were formed about 5,000 - 8,000 years ago. Later, as the basin became a gulf, the salt was covered with sediment deposited by rivers. Warning: THIS DATA IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION Fisheries are also extremely productive in the Gulf of Mexico, and many Gulf Coast states have economies centered on fishing in the area. Its shallow, saltier, and serene waters surrounded by velvety quartz sand may seem like another world when compared to the Atlantic's cool and thrilling waves and golden-brown sand. There are nearly 2,000 different species! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition to the oil, nearly 2 million gallons of toxic dispersants were sprayed into the Gulf's waters. About 60% of the Gulf is less than 700 feet deep. Recreation and tourism are also a significant part of the economy of the lands surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Supported by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA) Ocean Exploration and Research, the research team recently completed an expedition into the Green Banana Blue Hole . In the United States, the Gulf of Mexico has four of the country's largest fishing ports, while in Mexico the region has eight of the top 20 largest. These hurricanes are either formed or make their way into the Gulf and eventually make landfall in the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. Updates? An underwater brine pool off the coast of New Orleans, known as the Hot Tub of Despair, was found in the Gulf of Mexico in 2014. The oil well over which it was positioned was located on the seabed 4,993 feet (1,522 metres) below the surface and extended approximately 18,000 feet (5,486 metres) into the rock. Nearly all offshore oil and natural gas leasing and development activity currently occurs in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, where thousands of . Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The area of the Gulf of Mexico is about 615,000 square mi (1.6 million square km). The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history. Now that's deep! The Gulf of Mexico is home to more than 750 known shipwrecks, ranging from modern wrecks all the way back to the 16thcentury. Maybe youre aware that its located along the Gulf coast but dont know the exact boundaries, or maybe youre trying to figure out if its part of the Atlantic Ocean or not. On September 17 the bottom kill maneuver was successfully executed through the first relief well. Were here to help! Due to the warm waters, moist air, and strong current of the Gulf Steam when storms originating in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean move west and collide it creates the perfect conditions for hurricanes to form. visits the Gulf of Mexico. Right, In addition to impacts to the diversity of marine life living on the seafloor, researchers found a conservative chemical tracer of petroleum in surface seafloor sediments extending 15 miles from the Macondo wellhead (Valentine et al. of Mexico before you plan a fishing trip. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? The Gulf formed about 300 million years ago, and in all it encompasses 600,000 square miles. Efforts to protect and conserve the thriving ecosystem found here are a serious priority as continuous ecological discoveries are being made and new species are being discovered. The US States that border the Gulf of Mexico are famous for their beautiful beaches. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. 2014). Several copepods of the family Zosimeidae were found in deep-sea sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Gulf of Mexico is a highly biodiverse area and features many coastal wetlands and mangrove forests. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Some 1,680 miles of the US coastline and 1,743 miles of the Mexican coastline borders the Gulf of Mexico. 03 Shaded Relief Images. . Cuba, crossed some of the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico over 100 miles offshore, which therefore increases the . The Joshua Channel (labeled channel-levee) in the eastern Gulf of Mexico stands out clearly on the new high-resolution map of the sea floor. The average depth of the Gulf is roughly 5,200 feet, but other parts of the Gulf of Mexico are surprisingly deep. It doesnt hurt that a large part of the Gulf is right over the North American Continental Shelves, which means the water is fairly shallow. Roughly 4.9 million barrels worth of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico, causing massive damage to marine, wildlife, and fishing habitats. Red tide algae blooms in the Gulf have led to large die-offs of marine species, and the Gulf of Mexico is reported to contain one of the highest levels of microplastics in the world. Natural gas is also extracted. Houston, New Orleans, Cancun, Tampa, Key West, Havana, San Francisco de Campeche, Mobile, Gulfport, Tampico, Veracruz, Ciudad del Carmen, Coatzacoalcos, Corpus Christi are some of the major urban settlements along the Gulf. Briney, Amanda. The Gulf of Mexico is roughly oval-shaped with a long dimension of about 950 mi (1,500 km). The marine flora in the Gulf of Mexico includes seagrasses, mangroves, marine algae, and marsh grasses. The fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico are considered to be one of the most productive in the world and the many Gulf Coast States have their economies centered on fishing in the gulf area. Through the process of upwelling, which occurs near the Florida coast of the Gulf, the cooler nutrient-rich water from the deeper parts of the Gulf is brought to the surface. 11 Facts You Should Know. The Gulf of Mexico was the site of a largeoil spillthat occurred on April 22, 2010, when an oil drilling platform, the Deepwater Horizon, suffered an explosion and sank into the Gulf about 50 miles (80 km) from Louisiana. In the fall of 2021, nine new sections of reefs totaling 110 square miles were added to the pre-existing zones. The deepest point is in the Mexico Basin ( Sigsbee Deep), which is 17,070 feet (5,203 metres) below sea level. No, although many people make that mistake, as the definition of an ocean is actually somewhat vague. This entailed pumping cement through a channelknown as a relief wellthat paralleled and eventually intersected the original well. In geographic terms, the Gulf of Mexico is also an ocean basin. The Gulf covers approximately 600,000 square miles. The black coral that lives in the Gulf has been found recently to be in the running for one of the oldest living things on earth. The Mexican material represents new species of the genera Zosime Boeck, 1873, Peresime . The Deepwater Horizon oil spill damaged deep-sea habitats over a large area. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? The effect of the microscopic oil droplets on the ecosystem was unknown, though their presence, along with that of a layer of oil several inches thick discovered on portions of the seafloor in September, cast doubt on earlier predictions about the speed with which the discharged oil would dissipate. How many miles deep is the Gulf of Mexico? The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 1,600 meters, or 5,200 feet. The lake gets its foreboding name because of how salty the water is and how most things dont survive it. Different species of jellyfish are also commonly found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These slow-growing, long-living animals thrive in very deep waters300 meters (984 feet) and . The Gulf of Mexico is a large ocean basin near the Southeastern United States. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. These include: Atlantic Spotted dolphin, Striped dolphin, Frasers dolphin, Pantropical spotted dolphin, Clymene dolphin, and Spinner dolphin. Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. A well-preserved shipwreck is seen in the Gulf of Mexico. The North-West Gulf of Mexico. Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico Grids. 4. Endangered sea turtles also use the coast as their nursery and require the Sargassum, seaweed that floats on the surface of the water, to feed, along with fish, seahorses, and other marine life. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from California State University. liters. . About 5 million acres of wetlands border the Gulf of Mexico. Each year millions of migratory birds trek the long journey across the Gulf to feed and mate. For its immense natural resources and historical significance, not many are aware of this Gulf and its role in trade and commerce. Visit the National Saltwater Angler Registry to ensure you are registered. After the discovery of Cuba and Mexico by the early Europeans, Spain had led a military invasion through the Gulf to colonize these areas. What Went Wrong? With the consent of the seven companies, the BOEM released the map to the public. Cleanup crews attempted to burn the oil off of the water, gather the oil and move it, and block it from hitting the coast. The Gulf of Mexico supports different species of flora and fauna and is widely recognized for its diversity and productivity. The position of the West Florida Escarpment is shown . We have not only provided the answer to the question here but have also explored more interesting facts about the Gulf. . Because the Gulf of Mexico borders a portion of Mexico, Cuba, and five states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, it is divided into seven regions based on specific geological and geographical factors. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The first . In addition to being home to so many incredible beaches, it is also a very unique region of the world. Water depths range from about 170 feet deep to about 450 feet deep. In the fall of 2021, nine new . Hurricane Harvey is tied with Hurricane Katrina as the costliest in U.S. history. and southward under the influence of eddies typical of the deep Gulf of Mexico (Androulidakis et al., 2018). In the Sarasota area the Gulf is best known for beautiful white-sand beaches and exciting offshore fishing. ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? The Sigsbee Deep, for example, is estimated to be between 12,300 and 14,383 feet deep. They found the Gulf is home to 2,000 year-old deep-sea black corals, many of which are only a few feet tall. The Gulf of Mexico is fed by the waters of 33 American rivers, the largest of which is the Mississippi River. One of the most devastating was Hurricane Katrina, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and caused over 1,200 deaths and $125 billion in damage, mostly concentrated in New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding areas. Oceans, the largest bodies of water in the world, have no exact boundaries, and they are bordered by seas (the Caribbean Sea separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean). Additionally, the storm surge for each Category increases with severity, a Category 1 is 4 5 feet, while a Category 5 is 19 feet or more! Ask below and we'll reply! The Gulf of Mexico, under ordinary conditions, has tides of two feet or less, but on the wide and shallow shelf such a variation is quite noticeable. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The rig was located approximately 50 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, and had a 126-member crew onboard. On April 20, 2010, BP's mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon exploded, burned, and subsequently sank in the Gulf of Mexico 52 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana. The Gulf of Mexico (Golfo de Mxico in Spanish) is located in the Atlantic Ocean, and the majority of it is bordered by the United States and Mexico.
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