Mexico The Gulfof

Mexico, The Gulf of, a part of the Atlantic Ocean which is enclosed by Mexico, the southern states of the Union, and the northern West India islands. Between Cuba and Florida through the Florida Channel flows the Gulf Stream; and the former is separated from Yucatan by the Yucatan Channel, nearly 200 miles broad. The central parts of the gulf are deep, but the shore waters rather shallow. Strong N.E. gales blow across it from September to March. There are few good harbours, the coasts being lined generally by lagoons. The Mississippi enters the gulf near New Orleans.