Wild patterns on the water's surface are evidence of the fluid dynamics that occur when fresh river water meets sea water.
Published Aug 20, 2018
Gibraltar Bay, located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is the central feature of this astronaut photograph. The famous Rock of Gibraltar that forms the northeastern border of the bay is formed of Jurassic-era seafloor sediments that solidified into limestone, a rock formed mostly of the mineral calcite, which is found in the shells of sea creatures. The limestone was subsequently lifted above the ocean surface when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. The cities of La Linea and Algeciras bordering the bay, together with petroleum-processing facilities along the northern shoreline, are part of Spain, whereas the city of Gibraltar itself (to the west of and including the Rock) is under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
Published Jan 8, 2007
Despite the bay’s calm waters, constant reminders of the city break through.
Published Oct 5, 2017
The stunning scenery in this bay in Montenegro has made it a popular destination for cruises ships.
Published Sep 17, 2017
Few people live around the Ulbanskiy Bay. Whales, however, are plentiful.
Published Apr 9, 2017
Once an important port during World War II, the bay is comprised of a complex delta system that makes it a very scenic and popular tourist destination in Australia.
Published May 30, 2020
With floating villages, expansive seaweed farms, and hundreds of thousands of fish cages, Sansha Bay has one of the most extensive aquaculture operations in the world.
Published Mar 7, 2019
High tides in the funnel-shaped bay are anything but a bore when they collide with river water flowing in the opposite direction.
Published Oct 28, 2019
Chetumal Bay lies on the Border between Mexico and Belize. To the east of the bay, Ambergris Cay connects the Belize Barrier Reef to the Yucatan Peninsula. The north of the island is Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. Here, the barrier reef comes very close to the east side of the island. In 1998, reefs in Belize were hit by two major events that led to heavy coral mortality: El Niño-related coral bleaching and Hurricane Mitch.
Published Oct 28, 2001
Ancient trails, aquaculture ponds, and quaint villages stand alongside old lava flows.
Published Feb 24, 2019
Rising and falling seas and ancient rivers formed a bay lined with the whitest sands in the world.
Published May 11, 2013
The historical oasis on the coast of the Arabian Gulf is now an oil industry oasis.
Published Jun 3, 2013
Muddy brown water fills Sandusky Bay, just south of Lake Erie in this astronaut photograph. The small city of Sandusky occupies the southeastern shore of the bay. The most striking aspect of this image is the flow of the brown water in and out of the mouth of the bay. Slight movement of lake surface water, driven mainly by wind, causes a small ebb and flow of bay water. Sediment-charged water is derived from agricultural fields along the Sandusky River upstream. Mud plumes in Lake Erie originate from prior pulses of muddy water from the bay. When this image was taken, some clear, lake water (blue-green strip) appeared to be flowing into the bay.
Published Feb 20, 2006
