Bengáliöböl

Bengáliöböl, known in English as the Bay of Bengal, is a large bay in the northeastern Indian Ocean. It is bordered by the eastern coast of India to the west and north, by Bangladesh to the north, and by Myanmar to the east; the southeastern boundary lies near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while the southern boundary opens into the Indian Ocean.

Geography and hydrology: The bay covers about 2.17 million square kilometers, making it the largest bay in the world by area. It receives major freshwater inflows from the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems via the Meghna, contributing to its sediment load and nutrient dynamics. The mix of fresh and saltwater shapes coastal ecosystems and fisheries.

Geology and depth: The average depth is around 2,600 meters, with deeper basins in the central region. The seabed features include a continental shelf along the Indian subcontinent and gradual slope toward the deeper central basin.

Climate and natural hazards: The Bay of Bengal has a tropical monsoon climate and is prone to tropical cyclones, particularly during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Notable events include the 1970 Bhola cyclone and the 1999 Odisha cyclone.

Ecology and economy: The bay supports rich marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems, notably along the Sundarbans. It is important for fisheries, shipping, and energy resources, with major ports along its coasts in India and Bangladesh.

Human impact and conservation: Pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten coastal habitats and mangroves. Rising sea levels and intensified storms pose risks to coastal populations and infrastructure.