GULF OF KHAMBHAT

5th April, 2024 Geography

GULF OF KHAMBHAT

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Context: The Indian Coast Guard evacuated an injured patient from the fishing boat Pushkar Raj, near the Gulf of Khambat.

About the Gulf of Khambhat

The Gulf of Khambhat, also known as the Gulf of Cambay, is a bay on the Arabian Sea coast, bordering Gujarat.
The Gulf is about 200 kilometres long, about 20 kilometres wide in the north and up to 70 kilometres wide in the south.
The Gulf of Khambhat serves as a crucial drainage basin for several major rivers in Gujarat, including the Narmada, Tapti, Mahi, and Sabarmati. These rivers carve out fertile estuaries as they empty into the gulf.
It divides the Kathiawar Peninsula from the southeastern part of Gujarat.
There are plans to construct a 30-kilometre dam, Kalpasar Project, across the gulf.
The regions bordering the Gulf of Khambhat are home to several tribal communities, such as the Garasias, and Koknas.

Key Points	Gulf	Bay
Definition	A gulf is a large body of water that is partially surrounded by land, commonly with a narrow mouth.	A bay is a body of water that is partially enclosed by land but has a wider mouth than a gulf.
Size	Gulfs are generally larger in size compared to bays and can span extensive areas along coastlines.	Bays are typically smaller in size compared to gulfs and may vary in size depending on local geography.
Mouth	Gulfs have a narrower mouth, which may be partially closed off by land formations or islands.	Bays have a wider mouth, allowing for more open access to the ocean or sea.
Formation	Gulfs are often formed by the movement of tectonic plates or by erosion from rivers and oceans.	Bays can be formed through various processes, including erosion, glacial activity, or tectonic movements.
Ecological Importance	Gulfs may serve as important habitats for marine life due to their relatively enclosed nature and diverse ecosystems.	Bays provide sheltered areas for marine life and can support diverse habitats, including estuaries and mangroves.
Economic Significance	Gulfs often play a crucial role in international trade and commerce, serving as important shipping routes and ports.	Bays may support local economies through fishing, tourism, and recreational activities, as well as shipping and transportation.