how deep is the gulf of mexico in miles

It was used by the early Europeans as an exploration route to explore the Americas. Though the leak had slowed, it was estimated by a government-commissioned panel of scientists that 4,900,000 barrels of oil had already leaked into the gulf. Cleanup crews attempted to burn the oil off of the water, gather the oil and move it, and block it from hitting the coast. Some bivalve species that are found here include oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops. During this period the conditions are favorable for the development of hurricanes. "Sigsbee Deep" applied to the entire deep basin appears on some of the earliest charts of the Gulf of Mexico. In the fall of 2021, nine new sections of reefs totaling 110 square miles were added to the pre-existing zones. Recreation and tourism are also a significant part of the economy of the lands surrounding the Gulf of Mexico. visits the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf covers approximately 600,000 square miles. 2. 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. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from California State University. 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. 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! The Gulf of Mexico is fed by the waters of 33 American rivers, the largest of which is the Mississippi River. [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. Besides the economic importance of the Gulf of Mexico, there are countless natural treasures to be found. What does this mean? Situated in the southwestern part of the Gulf, the Sigsbee Deep (Mexico Basin) is the deepest region in the Gulf of Mexico that has an estimated depth of over 4,384m. You can try your hand at the pirates life with an adventure on a pirate ship cruise in Orange Beach. For its immense natural resources and historical significance, not many are aware of this Gulf and its role in trade and commerce. Now thats deep! The Gulf of Mexico is somewhat shallow, along the coastal continental shelf areas, and has an average depth of 1,615m. You can change between miles or km at any time. Most of the basin consists of shallow intertidal areas, but its deepest point is called Sigsbee Deep and has an estimated depth of about 14,383 feet (4,384 m). 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. 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. Fishermen found Heather Strickland's body in a trash bag miles off the coast of Pinellas County, Florida, in December 2022. 600000 surface area (sq mi) 17070 max. Though fitted loosely over the BOP and allowing some oil to escape, the cap enabled BP to siphon approximately 15,000 barrels of oil per day to a tanker. Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com, allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. At least 49 different species of sharks have been known to hang out in the gulf waters. However, there are some areas of the Gulf that are much deeper. Off the sands in Florida lies a 360-mile stretch of coral Reefs which developed 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The average depth of the Gulf is roughly 5,200 feet, but other parts of the Gulf of Mexico are surprisingly deep. Though similar to the failed top kill, mud could be injected at much lower pressures during the static kill because of the stabilizing influence of the capping stack. Heres the technology that helped scientists find itand what it may have been used for. The North-West Gulf of Mexico. 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. The Gulf Stream, a warm Atlantic current, originates in the Gulf of Mexico and influences the climate of both the east coast of the United States and the west coast of Europe. The Gulf of Mexico is the largest gulf in the world, with 600,000 sq miles bordered by 1,680 miles of US coastlines. 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. With time, the Gulf of Mexico became an excellent avenue for trade. Eighteen percent of the country's oil comes from offshore wells in the Gulf. Seabirds, fish, and reptiles are abundant, as well as bottlenose dolphins, a large population of sperm whales, and sea turtles. coastline, at least 1,200 square miles of the deep ocean floor, and 68,000 square miles of surface water. "Size of Spill in Gulf of Mexico is Larger than Thought. 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. Fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico make up about of the total catch in the US. The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is the second-longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Leopard is located in OCS block Alaminos Canyon (AC) 691, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of the Whale discovery, 20 miles (32 km) south of the recently appraised Blacktip discovery . The Gulf of Mexico is home to more than 750 known shipwrecks, ranging from modern wrecks all the way back to the 16thcentury. Without any opposing force, oil began to discharge into the gulf. Home Fishing Ocean Depth Maps Florida and Eastern Gulf of Mexico. 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. Gulfs are large bodies of saltwater that can be navigated and are nearly surrounded by land. Over the years, these water bodies turn into dead zones. She has taught English and biology in several countries. 1. Its considered one of the worst natural disasters in history, and efforts to reverse some of the damage that was caused are still ongoing. The exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico feed the powerful Atlantic hurricanes which in turn cause widespread destruction. A gulf is an inlet of the ocean into the land. Natural gas wasnt far behind, comprising 47 percent of the U.S. totals. An ocean basin is simply any large area covered with seawater and located below sea level. 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 Alabama Gulf Coast boasts the largest artificial reef program in the nation, with 1,136 square miles of artificial reefs located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The surface area of the Gulf of California is about 160,000 km2 (or 62,000 square miles). All rights reserved. Animals that wander into the lake dont come out alive. These islands are Galveston, Follets, Matagorda, St. Josephs (San Jos), Mustang, Padre, and Brazos. Following the continental shelf edge westward, Diaphus Bank rises about 48 miles west of the Mississippi Trough. "By clicking OK or by using this Website, you consent to the use of cookies. 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? It is rumored that they buried some of their stolen loot on the bay. key transcendentalist beliefs, an overview of the movement's history, and key players. 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). Claims by several research groups that subsurface plumes of dispersed hydrocarbons had been detected in May were initially dismissed by BP and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 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. Birds were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Due to its large size and the complex current system, the Gulf of Mexico has a diverse ecology, ranging from the coastal zone, which serves as a nursery for all types of marine life, to the deep waters of the abyssal plain where colonies of deep-sea coral grow on the seafloor. The Gulf is a very accessible body of water. ". To its north, northeast, and northwest, the Gulf of Mexico is bordered by the Gulf Coast of the United States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida). The US states of Texas and Florida are recognized as the most rapidly growing states. The Gulf of Mexico supports huge populations of fishes. Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and miles of pristine sandy beaches. The Alabama Gulf Coast boasts the largest artificial reef program in the nation, with 1,136 square miles of artificial reefs located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Were here to help! Recreational fishing is popular, as are water sports and tourism along the coastal regions. The Gulf of Mexico is a rich reservoir of natural gas and oil. . It is surrounded by the Mexican states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit. Theres a pocket of seawater in the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans that contains salt content thats 5 times higher than neighboring waters. How many miles deep is the Gulf of Mexico? The agricultural activities inland of the Gulf of Mexico coast have led to an increase in nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers and pesticides and phosphorus-based detergents that are eventually washed away by rains or by rivers into the aquatic ecosystems. 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. Due to the warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes regularly form there. When did the Deepwater Horizon oil spill happen? The volume of oil escaping the damaged welloriginally estimated by BP to be about 1,000 barrels per daywas thought by U.S. government officials to have peaked at more than 60,000 barrels per day. Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. 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. Amanda Briney, M.A., is a professional geographer. 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. In Florida, for example, Florida state waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles on the Gulf . Additional explorers, such as Francisco Hernndez de Crdoba Pnfilo de Narvez later explored the area, often capturing and enslaving local people as they did so. Thats great news when it comes to reaching those shipwrecks. The marine flora in the Gulf of Mexico includes seagrasses, mangroves, marine algae, and marsh grasses. Its four times as salty as the nearby seawater and is warmer as well. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. 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. Over 40 species of sharks live in the Gulf of Mexico. In geographic terms, the Gulf of Mexico is also an ocean basin. Have some feedback for us? About 5 million acres of wetlands border the Gulf of Mexico. 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 First European Settlement Was at Pensacola Bay, Over 60 Million Americans Live Along the Gulf. This in turn stimulates plankton growth and attracts numerous shrimps, small fishes, and squids. We've gathered 113 of the most amazing facts you can use to impress anyone you meet. Gulf of Mexico water temperature: The surface water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico, as recorded in February, varies from 18C in the northern part of the Gulf to about 24C off the Yucatn coast. Briney, Amanda. How big is the Gulf of Mexico? About 5 million acres of wetlands border the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven of the 126 workers on the rig were killed and, over the following 87 days, an estimated 3.19 million barrels (~134 million gallons) of oil spilled into the Gulf . These strange, complex configurations are part of the geology that created the conditions that allowed vast oil deposits to collect. Natural gas is also extracted. A large oil spill occurred on April 22, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico, when the Deepwater Horizon an oil drilling platform, suffered an explosion and sank into the Gulf. Both are partially detailed in a lengthy 1975 National Academy of Sciences report on ocean contaminants. The cited reference discusses differences in United States and IHO committee views and variations between names recommended by the Advisory Committee on Undersea Features (ACUF) of the U. S. BGN and the GEBCO committee. "IHO-IOC GEBCO Gazetteer of Undersea Feature Names (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet/Adobe PDF document formats)", "Sixteenth Meeting of the GEBCO Sub-committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sigsbee_Deep&oldid=1009657881, This page was last edited on 1 March 2021, at 17:52. As you can clearly see in the image below, this data is much higher resolution than the best available map, which was made in the 1990s. It is the center of the United States oil refining and petrochemical industry and hence more than 18% of the US oil production is derived from the offshore wells in the Gulf of Mexico. These four industries produce nearly $234 billion annually. How deep are the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico? In this article, we will look at 10 facts on the Gulf of Mexico you must know. 7. The Sigsbee Deep, for example, is estimated to be between 12,300 and 14,383 feet deep. [3] The Sigsbee Abyssal Plain is the deepest and flattest sector of the deep basin.[1]. The deepest point is in the Mexico Basin (Sigsbee Deep), which is 17,070 feet (5,203 metres) below sea level. In 2011, the oil taken from the gulf made up 54 percent of U.S. oil. It is a warm Atlantic Ocean current and the warmth of this current is the cause of the formation of devastating Atlantic hurricanes. This involves towing high-powered underwater air guns behind a ship. That project also supported efforts in the characterization of surface oil spills from . More than 400 species of shellfish are found in the Gulf region. Can we bring a species back from the brink? It comprises a volume of around 2,500 quadrillions (a real number!) By fintasticinc March 22, 2016 Capt's. Corner. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. When an attempt to employ a top kill, whereby drilling mud was pumped into the well to stanch the flow of oil, also failed, BP in early June turned to an apparatus called the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) cap. Some of the important fishes include Albacore tuna, Red snapper, greater amberjack, tarpon, grouper, Atlantic spadefish, king mackerel, Gulf flounder, bluefish, etc. I'm actually a little scared to get in a boat with you.". See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. In addition to being home to so many incredible beaches, it is also a very unique region of the world. At its deepest point the bottom is 2.7 miles underwater, but most of the Gulf is much shallower. 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). The Gulf of Mexico is located below the southeastern portion of the United States. When does spring start? The two designs are sized and analyzed for the new Gulf of Mexico metocean criteria. The Gulf of Mexico is an inlet connecting Mexico and the United States to the ocean and is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean. 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). "A recent forecast of the size of the 'Dead ZoneR Once released by the fracture of the core, the natural gas traveled up the Deepwater rigs riser to the platform, where it ignited, killing 11 workers and injuring 17. Fisheries are also extremely productive in the Gulf of Mexico, and many Gulf Coast states have economies centered on fishing in the area. A study has dated the coral to be at least 2,000 years old. The deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico is Sigsbee Deep, which has an estimated depth of around 14,383 feet. How deep is the Gulf of Mexico at its furthest point from its surface? The Mexican material represents new species of the genera Zosime Boeck, 1873, Peresime . There is much speculation as to what caused the explosions. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in pictures, The Perils of Industry: 10 Notable Accidents and Catastrophes, https://www.britannica.com/event/Deepwater-Horizon-oil-spill, National Ocean Service - Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Deepwater Horizon oil spill: debris and oil, Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010: path of the oil, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The volume of water in the basin is roughly 2.4 10 6 cubic kilometers (5.8 10 5 cubic miles). Shrimp and oysters are among the largest fish products that come from the Gulf. These animals can sniff it out. The Gulf of Mexico today is bordered by 1,680 miles (2,700 km) of U.S. coastline and is fed with water from 33 major rivers that flow out of the United States. Although Native Americans living in the region used the Gulf of Mexico for centuries as a source of food and building materials, the first European to explore the Gulf was Italian Amerigo Vespucci in 1497. Thankfully close to 80% of hurricanes formed lose strength and dissipate before reaching land. Ask questions; get answers. 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. A study showed that up to 800,000 birds were thought to have died. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The Gulf was first explored by Amerigo Vespucci in 1497. The entire coastline felt the effects of Hurricane Katrina: 1,800 lives were lost and damages caused by the storm totaled $125 billion. The Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin located close to the southeastern United States. 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 Gulf of Mexico is a part of the Atlantic Ocean and is considered an ocean basin and marginal sea. The entire basin is about 600,000 square miles (1.5 million sq km). 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). The comparison is based on hull dimensions, including heave plate and structural support construction. Some of the notable species include Blacktip shark, Bonnethead shark, Bull shark, Great hammerhead shark, Lemon shark, Nurse shark, and Sand Tiger Shark. 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. The area then filled with seawater, forming the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Because it is a warm current, sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are normally also warm, which feeds Atlantic hurricanes and helps in giving them strength. Two days later, following a series of pressure tests, it was announced that the well was completely sealed. 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. 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. The Spanish explorer Tristn de Luna y Arellano landed at Pensacola Bay and established a settlement on August 15, 1559. At Mow Answers, we do maps and stories for a living. The Gulf's geologic origin remains uncertain. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began on April 20, 2010, when an explosion damaged the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. "Geography of the Gulf of Mexico." Bacteria that had adapted to consuming naturally occurring gas and oil seeping from the seabed were thought to have consumed a portion of it. Check out these interesting facts to learn more about the Gulf of Mexico. 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. The Sigsbee Deep, 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, is estimated to be between 12,300 to 14,383 feet. Construction of two such wells had begun in May. The success of these procedures cleared the way for a bottom kill, considered to be the most likely means of permanently sealing the leak. The Gulf is about 1, 000 miles wide, as much as 14, 000 feet deep, and receives runoff from vast areas of the continent. Kramer and Shedd report that after the 2010 Deep Water Horizon oil spill, marine biologists wanted a detailed map of the Gulf to help locate ecological communities that might have been impacted. The Gulf formed about 300 million years ago, and in all it encompasses 600,000 square miles. No, although many people make that mistake, as the definition of an ocean is actually somewhat vague. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. It Holds as Much Power as Beauty The Gulf of Mexico is a rich reservoir of natural gas and oil. The small juvenile turtles also depend on the sargassum habitats in the open ocean for their survival. How deep is the Gulf of Mexico? Different species of jellyfish are also commonly found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The dead zones are incapable of supporting aquatic flora and fauna. 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. These slow-growing, long-living animals thrive in very deep waters300 meters (984 feet) and . (Weird fact: not all black coral is black.). The Gulf is about 1,000 miles wide, as much as 14,000 feet deep, and receives runoff from vast areas of the continent. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. The explosion The most common found around Alabama beaches are bull sharks, great hammerhead sharks, sand tiger sharks and shortfin mako sharks. 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! Her family is still awaiting justice. The Gulf of Mexico encompasses around 617,800 square miles of water and stretches around 932 miles across from east to west.

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