Gulf Coast: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

SS United States sinks off Florida's Gulf Coast, will become world's largest artificial reef • Nov. 11, 2026, 7:04 PM ET (CBS)

SS United States will be sunk, becoming the world’s largest artificial reef • Nov. 8, 2026, 1:00 PM ET (Washington Post)

Photos

Map of the Gulf of Mexico showing physical features such as continental shelves, escarpments, canyons, and basins, with shaded areas indicating water depth. Surrounding countries and U.S. states, major cities like Houston, New Orleans, Tampa, and Havana, and key geographic features including the Yucatan Peninsula and Bay of Campeche are labeled. An inset locator map shows the Gulf's position in North America.

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