Gulf of Oman
Topic: Oceans: Hydrological Cycle, Relief of the Ocean Floor, Temperature and Salinity · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Gulf of Oman is an arm of the Arabian Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. It lies between Oman to the south-west and Iran to the north. Its coasts also touch the UAE and Pakistan. At its western end it narrows into the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea passage that leads into the Persian Gulf. Every tanker leaving the Persian Gulf crosses the Gulf of Oman to reach the open ocean, so it is one of the world's key routes for oil and gas.
Example
Muscat, the capital of Oman, lies on the south-western shore of the Gulf of Oman. Sur lies further east, near where the gulf opens into the Arabian Sea. Both ports are on the ocean side of the Strait of Hormuz. This means ships can reach them without passing through the Strait.
Don't confuse with
- Persian Gulf: a shallow, almost landlocked sea on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf of Oman lies outside the Strait and opens to the Arabian Sea.
- Strait of Hormuz: the narrow passage between the two gulfs. It is not a gulf. It is the chokepoint (a narrow passage that is easy to block) joining them.