Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gulf of Mexico
Why in the News?
Donald Trump has proposed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” after his plans for purchasing Greenland.
About the Gulf of Mexico
- The Gulf of Mexico is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
- It is bordered by:
- United States: States of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
- Mexico: Eastern coast, including the Yucatán Peninsula.
- Cuba: Southeastern boundary.
- It is believed to have formed around 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic era.
- Its formation is linked to the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea.
- The Gulf has a subtropical to tropical climate.
- It is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms
- The Gulf is one of the world’s most significant oil-producing regions. It contains over 17% of global proven petroleum reserves.
Strategic Location:
- The Gulf is a crucial artery for international shipping, particularly between the Americas and Europe.
- It connects to the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida and to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal.
- The Gulf serves as a key area for U.S. naval operations.
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