Gulf of Finland facts for kids
The Gulf of Finland is a large arm of the Baltic Sea. It stretches out towards the east, with Finland on its northern side and Estonia on its southern side. Both the Finnish capital city, Helsinki, and the Estonian capital, Tallinn, are located right on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. At the very eastern end of the gulf is Russia, home to the important city of St. Petersburg.
The water in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland is not as salty as the rest of the Baltic Sea. This is because the Neva River, a large river, flows into the gulf from the east, bringing fresh water with it.
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About the Gulf of Finland
The Gulf of Finland is an important waterway for the countries around it. It connects many cities and towns to the wider world through shipping. It's also a place where different countries meet and share a natural space.
Where is the Gulf of Gulf of Finland?
The Gulf of Finland is located in Northern Europe. It's part of the larger Baltic Sea. Imagine the Baltic Sea as a big lake, and the Gulf of Finland is like a long finger pointing east from it. It's surrounded by three countries: Finland to the north, Estonia to the south, and Russia to the east.
What about the water?
The water in the Gulf of Finland is a mix of fresh and salty water. This is called "brackish" water. The western parts of the gulf, closer to the main Baltic Sea, are saltier. As you move east, especially near St. Petersburg, the water becomes much fresher. This is because the Neva River flows into the gulf there, bringing a lot of fresh water from inland.
Animals and plants in the Gulf
The Gulf of Finland is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. You can find various types of fish, birds, and even grey seals. These seals often rest on small islands in the gulf, like the Malusi islands in Estonia. The unique brackish water means that some species that like fresh water and some that like salt water can both live here.
Ice in winter
During cold winters, the Gulf of Finland can freeze over completely. This happens because the water is not as salty as the ocean, and less salty water freezes more easily. When it freezes, it can be so thick that people can even walk or drive on the ice! This can affect shipping, as icebreakers are sometimes needed to clear paths for ships.
History and trade
For hundreds of years, the Gulf of Finland has been a busy place for trade and travel. Ships have sailed through its waters, carrying goods and people between different countries. Many old shipwrecks can still be found on the seabed, telling stories of past voyages. The gulf remains an important route for ships today, connecting ports like Helsinki, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg.
Images for kids
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Gulf of Finland
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Satellite image showing the gulf entirely frozen over in January 2003.
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Malusi islands in Estonia are one of the main habitats of grey seals in the Gulf of Finland.
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Overseas Guests by Nicholas Roerich, 1899
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Shipwreck of Kazanets near Osmussaar in Estonia.
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Ust-Luga Multimodal Complex on the Soikinsky Peninsula in the Kingiseppsky District of northwestern Russia
See also
In Spanish: Golfo de Finlandia para niños
