Golfe

Golfe is the French term for a gulf, a large coastal inlet of the sea or ocean. In geography a gulf is an extensive indentation that forms part of a coastline and is connected to the open sea by a relatively narrow mouth; without fixed size criteria, gulfs are generally larger than bays and can be partially enclosed by peninsulas or islands.

Formation and morphology: Gulfs are shaped by a combination of tectonic activity, sea-level change, sedimentation, and coastal erosion. Their size, depth, and salinity can vary; some have strong tidal exchanges, others are more enclosed with brackish to saline waters.

Examples and usage: In French, golfe is used to designate several large indentations, including Golfe Persique (Persian Gulf), Golfe du Mexique (Gulf of Mexico), Golfe d'Aden (Gulf of Aden), Golfe d'Oman (Gulf of Oman), and Golfe de Californie (Gulf of California).

Ecology and economy: Gulfs often host diverse estuarine and marine habitats such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral ecosystems. They frequently serve as major shipping routes and ports, supporting fisheries and offshore resources; their environmental health is influenced by coastal development, industrial activity, and climate change.