Gulf of Ob

For other uses, see Ob (disambiguation).

A map showing the location of the Kara Sea and Ob Bay

Satellite image of the Gulf of Ob

The Gulf of Ob (also known as Ob Bay) (Russian: О́бская губа́, Obskaya guba) is a bay of the Arctic Ocean, located in Northern Russia at the mouth of the Ob River.

This Gulf flows into the Kara Sea between the Gydan and Yamal peninsulas. It is about 1,000 km (600 mi) long and varies in width from about 50 km (30 mi) to 80 km (50 mi), and generally runs north and south. It is relatively shallow, with an average depth from ten to twelve metres which restricts heavy sea transport. The Taz Estuary is an eastern side-branch formed by the Taz River. Beluga whales seasonally migrate to the Gulf of Ob.

There are several islands near the mouth of the Ob, at the beginning of the estuary, like Khaley. All these islands are close to the shore and they are generally flat and low-lying. They are protected wetlands under Ramsar. Further north, except for a few islands located close to the shore, like Khalevigo and Nyavigo, the Gulf of Ob is free of islands until it meets the Kara Sea.

Very large gas and oil deposits have been discovered in this region. Oil and gas from the wells are sent South via pipeline and rail transport. The Yamburg gas field is the world's third largest natural gas field, and is located between the southern portion of the gulf and the Taz Estuary to the east. A new port is being developed at Sabetta, on the west bank of the gulf.

External links

• Islands at the mouth of the Ob
• Protected wetlands
• A very thorough paper about this region