What is Difference Between Gulf and Strait?
By Balaji
Updated on: February 17th, 2023
The difference between Gulf and Strait is that Gulf is a water body formed out of the ocean that penetrates the land; Strait is a narrow water body that connects two larger water bodies. Gulf refers to a part of the ocean that enters the land. They are often indentations, while straits are formed due to the movement of tectonic plates. Both these water bodies are important and play a vital role on the earth’s surface.
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1. Difference Between Gulf and Strait
Difference Between Gulf and Strait
Gulfs and Strait are two different types of water bodies with distinct features and functions. Important Straits of the world possess geopolitical importance; these include the Palk strait, Gibraltar strait etc. The major difference between Gulf and Strait are tabulated below.
| Gulf | Strait |
| Gulfs are part of the ocean that penetrates the land. | Straits are watersheds that are narrow and connect to larger water bodies. |
| Gulfs are indentations caused by the ocean. | The tectonic plate movement often forms straits. |
| They act as a connector between land with water bodies. | Straits only connect water bodies. |
| It is also considered a large bay. | They are used as canals. |
| Gulfs are formed naturally. | Straits are mostly man-made. |
| Gulfs are used for harboring purposes due to their big size. | Straits are very narrow, so they cannot be used for harboring purposes. |
Gulf vs Strait
Gulf and Straits are man-made and natural and used for economic purposes like trading and transport. Their size, deepness, and shape, along with other components, help to specify the dissimilarities. The gulf is a sea part that penetrates with the landmass, while the ocean encloses straits on all sides.
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