The Gulf of Riga

The Gulf of Riga is an inlet of the Baltic Sea. It is located between Latvia and Estonia.

It is also known as the Bay of Riga or Gulf of Livonia.

The Gulf of Riga is partially separated from the rest of the Baltic Sea by the Island of Saaremaa, in Estonia.

It is connected to the Baltic Sea mostly by the Irbe Strait.

The Gulf of Riga also includes the Vaiinamer Sea.

Gulf of Riga Facts for Kids

  • The Gulf of Riga covers an area of 18,000-kilometer square (6,900 square miles). It has an average depth of 54 meters (177 feet) and a water volume of 424 cubic kilometers (344,000,000 acre-feet). The Gulf of Riga is a shallow body of water.
  • During the months of winter (December to April) the Gulf of Riga is mostly frozen over.
  • The following rivers flow into the Gulf of Riga: Dangava River, Parnue River, Lielupe River, and Ganja River.
  • The Gulf of Riga contains the following major islands: Kehnu Island, Saaremaa Island, and Ruhnu Island. These islands are called Estonia Islands.
  • The major cities that can be found along the Gulf of Riga are Riga, Kuressaare, Parnu, and Jurmala.
  • The water that is left in the Gulf of Riga usually remains there for about 30 years. This is because the passage from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea is narrow.
  • During the months of winter, ice fishing is common among the people who live around the Gulf of Riga. It is an important source of food to them.
  • The Gulf of Riga contains less salt (low salinity). This is why the gulf freezes almost completely during winter. And when this happens, people often walk across the Gulf of Riga.
  • The Port of Riga can be found on the Daugara River close to the mouth of the Gulf of Riga.
  • In August 1915 there was a fierce battle between the naval forces of Russia and Germany in the Gulf of Riga. The German forces won the battle.
  • Several vacation centers can be found on the shores of the Gulf of Riga.

 

QUESTIONS

1. The Gulf of Riga is also known as the Bay of Riga or Gulf of Livonia. Yes or No.

2. The Port of Riga can be found on the what River close to the mouth of the Gulf of Riga.

3. Write out two major cities that can be found along the Gulf of Riga.

4. Kehnu Island, Saaremaa Island, and Ruhnu Island are called whatIslands.

5. The Gulf of Riga is partially separated from the rest of the Baltic Sea by the Island of Saaremaa, in?

6. During the months of winter (December to April) the Gulf of Riga is mostly frozen over. Yes or No.

7. The rivers that flow into the Gulf of Riga are Dangava River, Parnue River and?