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Gulf of Khambhat

Coordinates: 21°30′N 72°30′E / 21.500°N 72.500°E / 21.500; 72.500
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Gulf of Khambhat on the right. Image NASA Earth Observatory
Gulf of Cambay (North part) 1896
Gulf of Cambay (South part) 1896

The Gulf of Khambhat, also known as the Gulf of Cambay, is an inlet of the Arabian Sea along the western coast of India. Here are some key points about the Gulf of Khambhat:[edit]

1. **Location and Geography**: It is located in the state of Gujarat, between the Kathiawar Peninsula (Saurashtra) and the southern part of Gujarat. The Gulf extends approximately 200 kilometers inland from the Arabian Sea coast.

2. **Size and Depth**: The Gulf of Khambhat is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 20 meters (66 feet). It covers an area of about 3,200 square kilometers.

3. **Tidal Range**: One of the notable features of the Gulf is its high tidal range, which is among the highest in the world. Tides can rise and fall by as much as 10 meters (33 feet), creating strong tidal currents in the region.

4. **Economic Importance**: The Gulf of Khambhat is economically significant for its ports and harbors. The major port city of Surat lies near the Gulf, and historically, it has been a hub for maritime trade.

5. **Environmental and Ecological Significance**: The Gulf is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of fish and invertebrates. It also supports important ecosystems such as mangroves and coastal wetlands.

6. **Historical Significance**: The Gulf of Khambhat has been an important maritime route throughout history, connecting the Indian subcontinent to regions in the Middle East and beyond. It has seen trade activities dating back centuries.

7. **Natural Hazards**: The Gulf is prone to cyclones and storm surges, which can affect coastal communities and infrastructure in the region.

8. **Archaeological Interest**: The Gulf of Khambhat has gained attention in recent years due to underwater archaeological discoveries, including ancient submerged settlements and artifacts. These discoveries have prompted research into the region's prehistoric and early historic periods.

Overall, the Gulf of Khambhat is a region of ecological, economic, and historical significance, playing a crucial role in the cultural and economic landscape of Gujarat and India as a whole.

Wildlife[edit]

To the west of the Gulf, Asiatic lions inhabit the Gir Forest National Park and its surroundings, the region of Kathiawar or Saurashtra.[1][2] To the east of the Gulf, the Dangs' Forest and Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, where Gujarat meets Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, used to host Bengal tigers.[3]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Nowell, K.; Jackson, P. (1996). "Panthera Leo". Wild Cats: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (PDF). Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group. pp. 17–21. ISBN 2-8317-0045-0.
  2. ^ "Asiatic Lion population up from 411 to 523 in five years". Desh Gujarat. 2015-05-10. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  3. ^ Karanth, K. U. (2003). "Tiger ecology and conservation in the Indian subcontinent". Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. 100 (2–3): 169–189. Archived from the original on 2012-03-10.

21°30′N 72°30′E / 21.500°N 72.500°E / 21.500; 72.500

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