Gulf of Valencia facts for kids
The Gulf of Valencia (called Golf de València in Valencian and Golfo de Valencia in Spanish) is a large bay or inlet on the eastern coast of Spain. It's part of the western Mediterranean Sea. Its southern edge is the Cap de la Nau headland. The northern edge is a bit unclear. Some say it's the Cape of Vinaròs, while others believe it extends to the Ebre Delta.
If the Cape of Vinaròs is used, the entire coast of the Gulf of Valencia is within the Valencian Community. If the Ebre Delta is used, then part of its northern coast is in southern Catalonia.
The tiny Columbretes islets are found inside the gulf. The Prime Meridian, an imaginary line that divides the Earth, passes right through the middle of the Gulf of Valencia.
Exploring the Gulf of Valencia's Geography
The coast along the Gulf of Valencia is mostly a flat, sandy plain with many beaches. A special feature of this shoreline is its coastal marshes. The Albufera estuary is a great example of these important wetlands. It is even listed as a significant wetland under the Ramsar Convention.
The gulf area has one of the best examples of the Mediterranean climate in Spain. This means it usually has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The coast along the Gulf of Valencia is very busy. It has one of the highest population densities in all of Spain.
How People Use the Gulf of Valencia Area
The lands next to the gulf are low and very fertile. Farmers grow a lot of rice here. They also grow many citrus trees, producing oranges and lemons. These are the main crops grown in this area.
In May 2011, an energy company called Cairn Energy received permission. The Spanish government allowed them to look for oil and gas. They could also operate drilling rigs and oil platforms in a large area of the Gulf of Valencia. This area was about 4,000 square kilometers (about 1,500 square miles). There are many environmental worries about drilling for oil in the sea here. People are concerned about how it might affect the ocean and its creatures.
See also
In Spanish: Golfo de Valencia para niños
