Gulf of Eilat

Prelims bits – Map

Context: A new study has revealed that coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat experienced a 3,000-year growth shutdown due to global cooling but later recovered naturally from deeper waters.

About Gulf of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba):

• Location:
  • It is a northern extension of the Red Sea, located to the east of the Sinai Peninsula and to the west of the Arabian Peninsula.
  • Also known as the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Neighbouring Nations:
  • The Gulf shares its coastline with four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
• Geographical Features:
  • Key Cities: Taba (Egypt), Eilat (Israel), and Aqaba (Jordan) are situated at its northernmost point.
  • Depth & Size: The Gulf has a maximum depth of 1,850 meters, which is significantly deeper than the adjacent Gulf of Suez.
  • Geological Formation: It forms the southern end of the Dead Sea Transform, a major tectonic fault zone.
  • Coral Ecosystem: The Gulf is home to the world’s northernmost coral reefs, which have demonstrated resilience despite environmental fluctuations.