The Australian Great Bay washes the south of the mainland of the same name. The water area belongs to the Indian Ocean.
Characteristic
For the first time, the Great Bay was noticed by scientists and sailors in 1627. At the same time, it was partially explored, but only in 1802 it was mapped, owing to Captain Flinders, who traveled around the continent.
The Australian Gulf extends over 1,100 km and covers the shores of Victoria, western Tasmania, as well as the states of South and Western Australia. The water region covers an area of more than 1.3 million square meters. km The depth of the bay is relatively shallow (400 m), but at a distance of hundreds of kilometers from the coastline it can reach 5000 m - South Australian Basin (5670 m). The nature of the bottom of the gulf is stepped, its depth increases with distance from the coast, reaching a maximum value in this territory. During tides, water can rise by 3-4 m, and in bays this indicator sometimes rises to 7 m.
Climate
Where the Gulf of Australia is located strongly influences the issue of weather conditions. There is a temperate climate. Due to the prevailing cold weather, icebergs are guests of the bay. They are brought by the current from the territory of the southern neighbor of Antarctica. But these blocks are observed far from the coastline.
Shore line
The Australian Grand Gulf can be characterized by rugged bays and coves of the coast. Sheer cliffs, reaching 60 m, are a hallmark of this area. They are formed by some sections of the coast. Rocky terraces and cliffs are observed on the shore, and sandy beaches are commonplace in low-lying areas.
The largest port in the water area is Adelaide. In its area stand out the bays of St. Vincent and Spencer.
Murray, Australia's deepest river, merging with the Denmark watercourse, flows into this bay through the bay. The largest island of the bay is considered to. Kangaroo. In addition to it, the coastline is rich in many small land areas.
Animals and fish
Due to its proximity to Antarctica, the flora and fauna of the bay is not as rich as that of the northern seas of Australia. But still she has something to brag and surprise.
The coastal territories have become a habitat for a diverse marine life: from the simplest microorganisms to the largest mammals. A smooth whale migration path passes through the Great Bay. However, recently they have only occasionally swam into this water area. Among these representatives, smooth, toothed and minke whale species are observed.
At the bottom live lobsters, shrimps, crabs, lobsters, sea worms, a variety of echinoderms, among which there are hedgehogs, snaketail and sea stars of amazing beauty .
The fish world is distinguished by its wealth, represented by the inhabitants of different parts of the Indian Ocean. Herring, flounder, red mullet, gobies, horse mackerel, mackerel, perch, stingrays, salmon, tuna, sailfish, marlin, swordfish - this is not a complete list of inhabitants of these depths. The value is the red beryx meat.
Sharks
The Australian Grand Bay is an excellent source of fish, which is why fishing is well developed in this area, especially for shark hunting. This region of the Indian Ocean is one of the most shark-dangerous on Earth. This place was chosen by different species of these representatives, and the most dangerous to humans became no exception. Confirmation is the annual press reports on accidents related to these inhabitants of this area. What ocean the Great Australian Bay belongs to plays an important role in the diversity of fauna.