Bay-bay is a secluded water body partially surrounded by land on three sides.
It is usually a part of a large water body like the ocean. As the bay is surrounded by land it reduces the speed of wind and blocks wave making it suitable for fishing. A bay is generally formed when land curves inward. The largest bay in the world is the Bay of Bengal. Hudson Bay and San Francisco Bay are also popular.
Gulf-It is part of the ocean or sea extending into the land and is largely surrounded by land. It is a larger form of bay. The Persian Gulf, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California are some popular bays of the world.
Now let's summarize the key differences:
Bay |
Gulf |
Can be defined as a water body that is partially surrounded by a landmass |
Can be defined as a water body that penetrates the land and surrounded mainly by a landmass. |
It has a broader opening |
It has a narrower opening |
Generally circular or semi-circular in shape |
Long and narrow in shape |
Some examples are b/ay f Bengal, Hudson Bay, San Francisco Bay |
Common examples are the Gulf of Mexico, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden
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Bay can be formed in many ways like continents drifting together or when the ocean overflows above the coastline |
The gulf is formed when earth tectonic plates rift apart |