Campeche Bank facts for kids
1965 realization of Campeche Bank
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Depiction of Campeche Bank & Yucatán Shelf
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 Campeche Bank
Location in Mexico
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| Geography | |
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| Location |
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| Coordinates | 22°30′N 89°0′W / 22.500°N 89.000°W |
| Archipelago | Campeche Bank |
| Adjacent bodies of water | |
| Total islands | Ten |
| Major islands |
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| Administration | |
| Federal Entity of Mexico | Campeche |
| Capital city | Campeche City |
| Additional information | |
| Campeche Knolls | |
The Campeche Bank is a very large, shallow area of the sea located in the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine a huge, flat underwater shelf! It stretches from the Yucatán Channel in the east all the way to the Tabasco-Campeche area in the west. This important ocean bank is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) away from the coast of Campeche, a state in Mexico. It's also about 190 kilometers (100 miles) south of the Tropic of Cancer.
This special part of the ocean is home to many small islands, known as cays, and beautiful coral reefs. These include famous spots like Arrecife Alacranes and the Cayos Arcas group of islands. These islands and reefs are important places for sea creatures and sometimes for people too!
Contents
What is an Ocean Bank?
An ocean bank is like an underwater plateau or a shallow area of the seabed. It's usually much shallower than the surrounding ocean floor. These banks are often formed by geological processes, like the buildup of sediment or the tops of submerged mountains.
Why are Ocean Banks Important?
Ocean banks are very important for marine life. Because they are shallow, sunlight can reach the bottom, allowing plants and algae to grow. This provides food and shelter for many different kinds of fish, corals, and other sea creatures. They are often rich fishing grounds and important habitats for biodiversity.
Where is Campeche Bank Located?
The Campeche Bank is found in the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. It's part of the Yucatán Platform, which is a large landmass that includes the Yucatán Peninsula.
Key Location Details
- It's located off the coast of the Mexican state of Campeche.
- It extends into the Bay of Campeche, which is a large bay within the Gulf of Mexico.
- The bank is south of the Tropic of Cancer, an important line of latitude.
Islands and Reefs of Campeche Bank
The Campeche Bank is home to a total of ten islands, many of which are small cays or parts of larger reef systems. These islands and reefs are important for the local ecosystem.
Major Islands and Reefs
Some of the main islands and reefs you can find here include:
- Arrecife Alacranes: This is a large and well-known coral reef system.
- Cayo Arenas: A small sandy island.
- Triángulo Sur, Triángulo Oeste, Triángulo Este: These are three small islands often referred to as the "Triangles."
- Banco Obispo Norte and Banco Obispo Sur: Two more small banks or islands.
- Cayos Arcas: A group of islands located about 170 kilometers (92 miles) north of Ciudad del Carmen.
- Banco Nuevo and Banco Pera: Other smaller banks in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Sonda de Campeche para niños
