Gulf of California

The Gulf of California (pronunciation: /ɡʌlf ɒv kælɪˈfɔːrnɪə/), also known as the Sea of Cortez or Vermilion Sea, is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland.

Etymology

The Gulf of California was named after the state of California, which was itself named by Spanish explorers after the mythical island of California in a popular novel at the time. The alternative name, Sea of Cortez, is derived from the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who is believed to have first set foot in the area.

Geography

The Gulf of California is approximately 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) long and 48 to 150 miles (77 to 241 kilometers) wide, covering an estimated area of 62,000 square miles (160,000 square kilometers). It is bordered by the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, and Sinaloa. The gulf's coastline is characterized by numerous tidal inlets, estuaries, desert landscapes, and mangrove forests.

Biodiversity

The Gulf of California is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including numerous species of fish, whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. It is also an important breeding ground for many bird species. The gulf's high productivity and biodiversity have led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Gulf of California
Wikipedia's article - Gulf of California

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Gulf of California