PERSIAN GULF
KEY FACTS

The Iranian shore is mountainous, and there often are cliffs; elsewhere a narrow coastal plain with beaches, intertidal flats, and small estuaries borders the gulf. The coastal plain widens north of Būshehr (Bushire), Iran, and passes into the broad deltaic plain of the Tigris and Euphrates and Kārūn rivers. Cliffs are rare on the Arabian shore of the gulf, except around the base of the Qatar Peninsula and in the extreme southeast around the Strait of Hormuz, where they form the spectacular coast of the Musandam Peninsula. Most of the Arabian shore is bordered by sandy beaches, with many small islands enclosing small lagoons.

The gulf is shallow, rarely deeper than about 300 feet (90 metres), although depths exceeding 360 feet (110 metres) are found at its entrance and at isolated localities in its southeastern part. It is noticeably asymmetrical in profile, with the deepest water occurring along the Iranian coast and a broad shallow area, which is usually less than 120 feet (35 metres) deep, along the Arabian coast. There are numerous islands, some of which are salt plugs or domes and others merely accumulations of coral and skeletal debris.

The Persian Gulf receives only small amounts of river-borne sediment except in the northwest, where immense quantities of silt are deposited by the Tigris, Euphrates, and Kārūn rivers and other smaller streams as they empty into the gulf, by way of the Shatt Al-’Arab. The rivers reach their peak flow in spring and early summer, when the snow melts in the mountains; disastrous floods sometimes result. There are some ephemeral streams on the Iranian coast south of Būshehr, but virtually no fresh water flows into the gulf on its Arabian side. Large quantities of fine dust and, in places, quartz sand, however, are blown into the sea by predominant northwest winds from the desert areas of the surrounding lands. Biological, biochemical, and chemical processes lead to the production of considerable calcium carbonate in the form of skeletal debris and fine mud, which mixes with this land-derived detritus. The deeper parts of the Persian Gulf adjacent to the Iranian coast and the area around the Tigris-Euphrates delta are mainly floored with gray-green muds rich in calcium carbonate. The shallower areas to the southwest are covered with whitish gray or speckled skeletal sands and fine carbonate muds. Often the seafloor has been hardened and turned to rock by the deposition of calcium carbonate from the warm, salty waters. Chemical precipitation is abundant in the coastal waters, and sands and muds are produced that mix with the skeletal debris of the local sea life. These sediments are thrown up by the waves to form coastal islands that enclose lagoons. The high salinities and temperatures result in the precipitation of calcium sulfate and sodium chloride to form extensive coastal salt flats (sebkhas).

number of Islands in Persian Gulf

The Persian Gulf is a large body of water surrounded by several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. There are numerous islands located in the Persian Gulf, but the exact number is difficult to determine as it depends on the criteria used to define an island.

According to the World Islands Database maintained by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), there are 215 islands in the Persian Gulf. However, this number may vary depending on factors such as island size, land area, and whether or not they are inhabited.

Some of the most well-known islands in the Persian Gulf include:

Bahrain: Bahrain Island, Hawar Islands, and several smaller islands

Iran: Kish Island, Qeshm Island, Hormuz Island, and Abu Musa Island (disputed)

Kuwait: Failaka Island and Bubiyan Island

Qatar: Halul Island, Al-Ashat Island, and several smaller islands

Saudi Arabia: Farasan Islands, Tarout Island, and several smaller islands

Overall, the number of islands in the Persian Gulf is significant, and many of them play important roles in the region's history, culture, and economy.

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The Persian Gulf region is home to a unique and diverse array of plant species, many of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Some of the endemic plant species in the Persian Gulf region include:

1. Prosopis cineraria: Also known as the Ghaf tree, this is a highly valued species in the Gulf region for its shade, fuel, and medicinal properties. It is a slow-growing, drought-resistant tree that can live for hundreds of years.

2. Ziziphus nummularia: Commonly known as the Ber tree, this species is found in arid regions and is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Persian Gulf. Its fruit is eaten fresh or dried and is also used in traditional medicine.

3. Salvadora persica: Also known as the Toothbrush tree, this species is valued for its antibacterial properties and is used in oral hygiene. Its twigs are chewed to clean the teeth and freshen the breath.

4. Euphorbia larica: This succulent plant is found in the sandy deserts of the Persian Gulf and is well-adapted to drought and extreme heat. Its latex is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

5. Cyperus conglomeratus: This sedge species is found in wetlands and is an important food source for waterfowl in the Persian Gulf. It is also used for weaving and making mats and baskets.

6. Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): This is a species of palm that is native to the Persian Gulf region and is widely cultivated for its fruit.

7. Arabian Moringa (Moringa peregrina): This is a small tree or shrub that is found in the deserts of the Persian Gulf region. It is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.

8. Tamarix aphylla: This is a species of tamarisk that is found in the arid regions of the Persian Gulf. It is known for its ability to grow in saline soils and is often used for soil stabilization and erosion control.

9. Prosopis cineraria: This is a species of mesquite tree that is found in the arid regions of the Persian Gulf. It is known for its ability to survive in harsh desert conditions and is used for wood, fodder, and fuel.

10. Avicennia marina: This is a species of mangrove tree that is found along the coast of the Persian Gulf. It is adapted to saline conditions and provides important habitat for many marine organisms.

The Persian Gulf is known to have significant mineral resources, including oil and natural gas. The region is home to some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, which are located in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to oil and gas, the Persian Gulf region is also known to have significant deposits of minerals such as sulfur, copper, and iron. Iran, for example, has large deposits of copper in the Sarcheshmeh and Sungun mines, while Kuwait has significant reserves of iron ore.

Furthermore, the Persian Gulf is also known to have large salt deposits, which are used for a variety of purposes including industrial and agricultural applications. The Shatt al-Arab delta in Iraq, for instance, is home to one of the largest salt mines in the region.

Overall, the Persian Gulf region has significant mineral resources that play a crucial role in the global economy.

The Persian Gulf is home to a diverse array of marine life, with a wide range of species adapted to the warm, shallow waters and unique environmental conditions of the region. Some of the notable marine species found in the Persian Gulf include:

In addition to these larger species, the Persian Gulf is also home to a diverse range of invertebrates, including corals, crabs, and sea anemones. The region's coral reefs are particularly important, as they provide habitat for a wide range of marine life and are essential for maintaining the health of the ecosystem.  Coral reefs: The Persian Gulf is home to a number of coral reef ecosystems, including the largest known coral reef in the region, located off the coast of Saudi Arabia.

Sea turtles: Several species of sea turtles are found in the Persian Gulf, including the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle. and they play a crucial role in maintaining the region's marine ecosystem.

Sharks: A variety of shark species are found in the Persian Gulf, including the blacktip reef shark, the whitetip reef shark, and the bull shark.

Rays: Several species of rays are found in the Persian Gulf, including the manta ray, the spotted eagle ray, and the blue-spotted ray.

Fish: The Persian Gulf is home to a large variety of fish species, including grouper, barracuda, tuna, and snapper.  Some of the most common fish found in the Persian Gulf include barracuda, grouper, snapper, and tuna. There are also several species of sharks that can be found in the region, including hammerhead, bull, and tiger sharks. Dolphins and whales are also present, with several species of dolphin, including the bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, and spinner dolphin, being common.

 

Mollusks: The Persian Gulf is home to a variety of mollusk species, including clams, oysters, and squid.

Crustaceans: A number of crustacean species are found in the Persian Gulf, including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Dolphins: Several species of dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, are found in the Persian Gulf.

Overall, the marine life in the Persian Gulf is incredibly diverse and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the region's ecosystem.  However, the Persian Gulf has faced significant environmental challenges in recent years, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction, which have threatened the health and survival of many of these marine species.

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In addition to marine life, the Persian Gulf region is also home to a variety of wildlife on land. The region's desert landscape supports a range of species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds.

 

Some of the most common mammal species found in the Persian Gulf include the Arabian oryx, a type of antelope that was once extinct in the wild but has been successfully reintroduced into the region. Other mammal species found in the region include gazelles, desert hare, and the Arabian leopard, which is a critically endangered species.  Other large mammals found in the Persian Gulf region include the Arabian leopard, a critically endangered species, and the Arabian gazelle, which is also facing population decline due to habitat loss.

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One of the most iconic animals found in the region is the Arabian oryx, a large antelope with long, straight horns. Once nearly extinct, conservation efforts have helped to bring their population back to sustainable levels.

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Terrestrial wildlife in the Persian Gulf includes several species of desert-adapted animals such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, ibex, and desert foxes. The region is also home to several species of birds such as the houbara bustard, greater flamingo, and several species of eagles and falcons.

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Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are also found in the Persian Gulf region. One of the most well-known reptile species found in the region is the Arabian cobra, which is venomous and can be found throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

 

The Persian Gulf region is also an important habitat for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some of the most common bird species found in the region include the greater flamingo, osprey, and the Socotra cormorant, which is found in large numbers on the islands off the coast of Yemen.

 

Overall, the Persian Gulf region supports a variety of wildlife on land and in the sea, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species and their habitats.  However, many of the species in the Persian Gulf, both terrestrial and marine, are threatened due to various factors such as habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.

The Persian Gulf is one of the world's most important regions for oil and gas production, with vast reserves of both resources located beneath the waters and the surrounding countries. According to estimates by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Persian Gulf region contains approximately 48% of the world's total proven oil reserves and 38% of its gas reserves.

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Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are the main countries in the Persian Gulf region that have significant oil and gas reserves. Saudi Arabia, for example, has the world's largest proven oil reserves, with an estimated 266 billion barrels, while Iran has the world's fourth-largest oil reserves, with an estimated 158 billion barrels. In terms of natural gas reserves, Qatar has the world's third-largest reserves, with an estimated 881 trillion cubic feet, while Iran has the world's second-largest reserves, with an estimated 1,201 trillion cubic feet.

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The oil and gas reserves in the Persian Gulf are a major source of income for the countries in the region, and they play a significant role in the global energy market. The countries in the region have been working to diversify their economies away from dependence on oil and gas, but these resources remain a crucial part of their economies

 

The Persian Gulf region is also a major exporter of oil and gas, with the majority of crude oil exports flowing from the Gulf states to Asia, Europe, and North America. The region's oil and gas reserves are crucial to the global economy, as they play a key role in meeting the world's energy demand.

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However, the production and export of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf region are subject to geopolitical and economic risks, including political instability, regional conflicts, and fluctuating oil prices. Nevertheless, the Persian Gulf's oil and gas reserves are expected to remain a significant source of energy for the world for many years to come.