Unfortunately, oil spills have caused irreparable damage while overfishing, pollution, and more threaten this critical resource. These islands are Galveston, Follets, Matagorda, St. Josephs (San Jos), Mustang, Padre, and Brazos. Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and miles of pristine sandy beaches. Because this continental shelf is easily accessible, the Gulf of Mexico is exploited for oil with offshore oil drilling rigs centered in the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf region. 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. The entire basin is about 600,000 square miles (1.5 million sq km). ABOARD THE WESTERN NEPTUNE, Gulf of Mexico Every 17 seconds, a small armada of ships trawling 130 miles from the Louisiana coast fire powerful air guns toward the bottom of the sea in a. On September 17 the bottom kill maneuver was successfully executed through the first relief well. The explosion Traveling east from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream is one of the strongest currents in the world. At least 25 species of shark are found in the Gulf of Mexico region. liters. Some of the devastating hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico region include Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Harvey (2016), Hurricane Michael (2018), Hurricane Rita, Galveston Hurricane, etc. Its a diverse ecosystem with a long and interesting history. In the fall of 2021, nine new sections of reefs totaling 110 square miles were added to the pre-existing zones. It is enclosed largely by North America. The Gulf of Mexico is an important economic region for all the three countries (Cuba, Mexico, and United States) that border it. Briney, Amanda. . The basin has an area of 600,000 square miles (1.5 million sq km) and most of it consists of shallow intertidal areas but there are some very deep portions. Scientists warn that the "dead zone" wreaking havoc on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico will cover almost 9,000 square miles this summer. Amanda Briney, M.A., is a professional geographer. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Later, as the basin became a gulf, the salt was covered with sediment deposited by rivers. Still interested in learning more about the Gulf of Mexico? The first European exploration of the Gulf of Mexico occurred in 1497 when Amerigo Vespucci sailed along Central America and entered the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida (the strip of water between present-day Florida and Cuba). 7. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. 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. 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. While most of the Gulf of Mexico is fairly shallow, its deepest point is Sigsbee Deep, which has an estimated maximum depth of 14,383 feet! Can we bring a species back from the brink? These nutrients favor the growth of algae and results in an algal bloom. Fishing is also an important industry and the economies of many states that lie along the Gulf of Mexico are driven by the fishing industry. The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? It is so dense with salt that it does not mix with the surrounding water, just sits there as its own pool of despair in the middle of Gulf waters. 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 30A Company | 30A, Beach Happy and Life Shines are Registered Trademarks, By: Shannon Serpette | Posted Dec 17, 2021, The Five Beachiest Birds to Look for in the Sand and Skies, As a beach lover its likely you know that birds, much like other beach features, are never the same at every beach. Birds were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Over the centuries, people continued to use the Gulf of Mexico as a source of food and resources, as well as for navigation. To learn more about the Gulf of Mexico, visit theGulf of Mexico Programfrom the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is the worst oil spill in history, leaving almost 5 million barrels of oil in the Gulf. All rights reserved. The Gulf of Mexico basin appears to have formed ~200 million years ago as the result of rifting within North . 5. Both oceans and gulfs are large bodies of saltwater, but gulfs are smaller and are bordered on three sides by land. Various waterfowl, shorebirds, coral reef, and endangered sea turtles establish their habitats in the Gulf of Mexico which is crucial to their survival. Because salt doesnt compact under the weight of overlying layers like sediment does, it ends up being less dense than the sediment above it. 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. They start at the state waterline (nine nautical miles out) and go all the way to the edge of the continental shelf, 100 miles offshore. [2] As described below there is some confusion of names that apply to the basin or a particular point in the basin with both being found in technical and popular literature applying to both basin and the coordinates. 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. The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 1,600 meters, or 5,200 feet. These animals can sniff it out. The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world at a width of 810 nautical miles (1,500 km). Now that youre familiar with the Gulf of Mexico, its time to start planning a beach trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! The Gulf of Mexico has been a source of oil since 1938, when the first oil well was drilled there. 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. 2014). Heres why each season begins twice. Left, scientists launch a seafloor sampling device off a research vessel into the Gulf of Mexico. https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-of-the-gulf-of-mexico-1435544 (accessed March 4, 2023). 9. Cuba, crossed some of the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico over 100 miles offshore, which therefore increases the . You can try your hand at the pirates life with an adventure on a pirate ship cruise in Orange Beach. Some of these beaches are Malaquite Beach (Texas), Crystal Sands Beach (Florida), Biloxi Beach (Mississippi), Grand Isle State Park (Louisiana), East Beach (Texas), Dauphin Island Beach (Alabama), and Orange Beach (Alabama). Eighteen percent of the country's oil comes from offshore wells in the Gulf. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill damaged deep-sea habitats over a large area. The climate of the Gulf of Mexico region varies from tropical to subtropical type. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. (April 28, 2010). Scientists documented the pair on NOAA's 2018 Okeanos Expedition during a research cruise to the West Florida Escarpment and DeSoto Canyon areas. The Interior Department's five-year offshore leasing plan is required by law. 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. In early July the LMRP cap was removed for several days so that a more permanent seal could be installed; this capping stack was in place by July 12. 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? There is a thriving range of wildlife living in the Gulf of Mexico and along its coastlines. The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is 5,299 feet (1,615 meters) and the maximum depth is estimated to be 14,383 feet (4,384 meters). 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. A gulf is an inlet of the ocean into the land. 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 groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. The Gulf of Mexico is the largest gulf in the world, as well as the worlds 9th largest body of water. Briney, Amanda. Scientists just confirmed a 30-foot void first detected inside the monument years ago. But the Gulf is also a habitat for other sea animals including dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and manatees. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. But its not just another waterway. The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is the second-longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico. The strange geology of the floor of the Gulf is mostly caused by thick underlying layers of salt. Look forBeach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets. Fisheries are also extremely productive in the Gulf of Mexico, and many Gulf Coast states have economies centered on fishing in the area. However, there are some areas of the Gulf that are much deeper. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. Unfortunately, yes. 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. Northern Gulf of Mexico deepwater bathymetry grid created from 3D seismic surveys. There are over a thousand types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico, including pelagic species, reef species. The Gulf of Mexico itself and the regions surrounding it are highly biodiverse and feature large fishing economies. 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. The average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is 5,299 feet (1,615 meters) and the maximum depth is estimated to be 14,383 feet (4,384 meters). The bureaus job is to manage exploration and development of the countrys offshore mineral and energy resources. How big is the Gulf of Mexico? The committee discussion of the United States nomination Mexico Basin as having the exact coordinates of 23 52 N 91 35 W as the Sigsbee Deep under consideration noted the Mexico Basin is in the GEBCO Gazetteer with coordinates of 22 30 N 95 00 W to 25 00 N 90 00 W.[5][Note 2] The issue appears to be one of the entire basin or a particular point within the basin for application of the names. The Gulf is about 1,000 miles wide, as much as 14,000 feet deep, and receives runoff from vast areas of the continent. When these algae die, they lead to deterioration in the water quality and depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies. When does spring start? Some of the significant ones include Blue whale, Brydes whale, Fin whale, Killer whale, Minke whale, Humpback whale, Sperm whale, and Northern right whale. The Sigsbee Deep, 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, is estimated to be between 12,300 to 14,383 feet. Hurricanes are common along the Gulf Coast, such as Katrina in 2005, Ike in 2008, Harvey in 2016, and Michael in 2018. These hurricanes are either formed or make their way into the Gulf and eventually make landfall in the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. All rights reserved. Several copepods of the family Zosimeidae were found in deep-sea sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California (Mexico). With that success, they realized they could map the whole Gulf of Mexico the same way. Thankfully close to 80% of hurricanes formed lose strength and dissipate before reaching land. The Gulf of Mexico is a sea and is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Introduction. First discovered in 1999 by Texas A&M deep-tow data and 3D seismic supplied by WesternGeco LLC, the furrows are expressed for over 200 km along the Sigsbee . Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. 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. How Far Until You Reach the Seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico? The success of these procedures cleared the way for a bottom kill, considered to be the most likely means of permanently sealing the leak. In addition to being home to so many incredible beaches, it is also a very unique region of the world. 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. Breathtaking vistas create an inviting back drop for all-season entertaining.. 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. They found evidence of sediment resuspension linked with oceanic phenomena. On August 3 BP conducted a static kill, a procedure in which drilling mud was pumped into the well through the BOP. It comprises a volume of around 2,500 quadrillions (a real number!) Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. About 5 million acres of wetlands border the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico features a wide continental shelf, specifically around Florida and the Yucatn Peninsula. 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. The evaporation and filling of saltwater in the basin over the millennia created deposits and mounds that today appear as cliffs bordering Sigsbee Deep. While the Gulf of Mexico was once the source of colonization and discovery for early explorers, today its known for its four major industries oil and gas, shipping, fishing, and tourism. However, in portions such as The Sigsbee Deep, which is 2 miles southwest of Brownsville, Texas, the depths reach up to 4,384 meters, or 14,383 feet! Some dolphins are also found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is productive in the Gulf because of the connection with tidal streams and local estuaries. Its called the Gulf of Mexico. The rig was located approximately 50 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana, and had a 126-member crew onboard. These plants provide a safe habitat for numerous fishes, planktons, bivalves, shrimps, manatees, and other marine animals. Each year millions of migratory birds trek the long journey across the Gulf to feed and mate. Unauthorized use is prohibited. This is the text I received from Captain Steve Papen after yet another cancelled trip due to unfavorable conditions. 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. There are also several ships sunk in deep water off the mouth of the Mississippi River by German U-boats during World War II, as well as the only German U-boat sunk in the Northern Gulf by Allied forces, the U-166. (A 2014 report by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board claimed that the blind shear rams had activated sooner than previously thought and may have actually punctured the pipe.). BE HONEST!! Fishermen found Heather Strickland's body in a trash bag miles off the coast of Pinellas County, Florida, in December 2022. An ocean basin, it is bounded on the northeast, . Although BP attempted to activate the rigs blowout preventer (BOP), a fail-safe mechanism designed to close the channel through which oil was drawn, the device malfunctioned. (April 23, 2010). The area then filled with seawater, forming the Gulf of Mexico. The Sigsbee Deep, 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, is estimated to be between 12,300 to 14,383 feet. in English from Illinois State University in 2005. "Flaming Oil Rig Sinks in Gulf of Mexico. These include Kemps ridley, loggerhead, green turtle, leatherback, and hawksbill. This region consists of about 1,394 miles (2,243 km) of coastline. These banks provide critical habitats for many marine animals including commercially valuable fishes, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. How deep are the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico? Natural gas wasnt far behind, comprising 47 percent of the U.S. totals. With time, the Gulf of Mexico became an excellent avenue for trade. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Only about 800,000 barrels had been captured. 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. He was a research editor with Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. from 2008 to 2016 and worked on Britannica Blog from 2010 Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. 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. Thats great news when it comes to reaching those shipwrecks. After numerous shipwrecks, the explorers decided to establish settlements in the lands surrounding the Gulf, to minimize the number of shipments from Europe. Marc Pagani Photography/Shutterstock.com. You can change between miles or km at any time. Oil and gas interests generate about $124 billion, nearly half the sum generated by all industries combined. These slow-growing, long-living animals thrive in very deep waters300 meters (984 feet) and . In response to their call for help, the BOEM devised a way to make a high-resolution map by combining the data from several 3-D seismic surveys that exploration companies had done in the area. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/geography-of-the-gulf-of-mexico-1435544. Some of the notable species include Southern Moon jelly, Mushroom jelly, Upside-down jelly, Cannonball jellyfish, Atlantic Sea Nettle, Pink Meanie, and Portuguese Man of War. It is largely surrounded by the continent of North America. 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. So, while the average depth of the Gulf of Mexico is not incredibly deep, there are some areas that are quite deep.