Golden Gate, Natural strait near San Francisco, United States
The Golden Gate is a strait connecting San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean in California. The waterway runs roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) long, flanked by steep cliffs on both sides, with a main channel reaching depths around 300 feet (90 meters).
Captain John C. Fremont named the strait Golden Gate in 1846, inspired by its shape and the promise of trade. The passage gained prominence after the 1848 gold discovery in California, serving as the main entry point for ships carrying fortune seekers from around the world.
Before European arrival, coastal Ohlone groups used the surrounding waters for fishing and trade routes between the bay and ocean. The strait later became a symbol of westward expansion during the California Gold Rush era.
The tidal currents in the channel run strong, especially during ebb and flood changes, making navigation challenging for vessels. Observation is best from elevated vantage points along the shoreline or from the water on boat tours.
Dense fog banks roll through the strait when warm inland air meets cold ocean water, a phenomenon that regularly reduces visibility. These conditions have shaped maritime traffic patterns for centuries and continue to influence the local climate today.
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