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What Is the Gulf of Mexico?

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onSeptember 14, 2021 in Beach, Fun Facts, Gulf of Mexico, Marine Wildlife, Siesta Key, The Beach.

What makes the beaches on the west coast of Florida different from the beaches on Florida’s east coast? Aside from the powdery white quartz sand, the beaches of Siesta Key border the Gulf of Mexico. This means brilliant blue and turquoise waters that ebb and flow with calm and serene surf. While visitors and locals are familiar with the benefits and effects of the Gulf of Mexico beaches, you may not know as much about the waters themselves. So, to help bridge this gap of knowledge, the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key are answering the question “what is the Gulf of Mexico?”

What Is a Gulf?

A Gulf is described as a large inlet with a very narrow opening that connects to a larger body of water, such as an ocean. Gulfs are saltwater bodies, are easily navigable, and are surrounded by coastline on most sides. The largest gulf in the world, the Gulf of Mexico, connects to the Caribbean Sea in the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, by a small passageway under the state of Florida.

Forming the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico formed over 300 million years ago as the seafloor began shifting, continental plates collided, and the floor sank in a process known as subsidence. As a result, a massive ocean basin, surrounded by the United States and Mexico, was created and the Gulf of Mexico was born. However, it was not until the early 1540’s when the Gulf of Mexico finally received its name.

The Largest Gulf in the World

While the Gulf of Mexico is considered to be a part of the Atlantic Ocean, with its narrow pathway leading to the ocean, it also connects to the Caribbean Sea in the south. It is bordered by five U.S. states to its north and east side (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida), Mexico to the west, and Cuba to the southeast. As the largest gulf and the 10th largest body of water on the planet, the Gulf of Mexico measures 617,800 square miles and holds 660 quadrillion gallons of water. Its average depth is around 5,200 feet with the deepest part of the Gulf of Mexico being in the Sigsbee Deep, also known as the Mexico Basin. Here the water is almost 17,070 feet below sea level.

A Signature Hue & Warm Temperatures

The signature blue color of the Gulf of Mexico that contributes to the allure of the best beaches on Florida’s west coast, is created by a change in winds and currents that move out the sediment from streams and rivers or by a dilution in sediment due to a large amount of rain. The warm water temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is another factor that plays a part in its beautiful and breathtaking hue. Due to a mix of factors, including ocean and river currents, wind chill and air temperatures, and the Gulf Stream, the Gulf of Mexico is typically five degrees warmer than the Atlantic Ocean.

Five Fun Facts About the Gulf of Mexico

1. Hurricanes and tropical storms tend to form in the Gulf of Mexico due to its warm temperatures.
2. Since 1938, the Gulf of Mexico has been a rich reservoir for resources like oil and natural gas. In fact, 54% of oil production and 47% of natural gas production in the United States happens in the Gulf of Mexico.
3. The Gulf of Mexico is home to a wide variety (approximately 15,419 different species) of marine life including manatees, dolphins, sharks, whales, sea turtles, fish such as snappers and tarpons, and invertebrates like jellyfish and shellfish.
4. Roughly 33 rivers, including the Mississippi River, and 207 estuaries empty into the Gulf of Mexico.
5. Florida is the only state in North America to accommodate coastal reef formations, including the 358-mile-long Florida Reef Tract that calls the Gulf of Mexico home.

Thanks to the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Key beaches are among the very best in the world, and the experts and visitors here at Best Western Siesta Key can attest. Between its calm and serene surf, breathtaking color, warm and relaxing waters, and the softest sand you can find in the U.S., the Gulf of Mexico has become a beloved body of water. While you experience the wonder and beauty of the largest gulf in the world, we hope you find appreciation in its history, vastness, and natural gifts.