King Sound

King Sound is a large gulf in northern Western Australia. It expands from the mouth of the Fitzroy River, one of Australia's largest watercourses, and opens to the Indian Ocean. It is about 120 kilometres (75 mi) long, and averages about 50 kilometres (31 mi) in width. The port town of Derby lies near the mouth of the Fitzroy River on the eastern shore of King Sound. King Sound has the highest tides in Australia, and amongst the highest in the world, reaching a maximum tidal range of 11.8 metres (39 ft) at Derby. The tidal range and water dynamic were researched in 1997–1998.

King Sound
Landsat image of King Sound using NASA World Wind
King Sound
Coordinates16°50′S 123°25′E
Typesound
Part ofIndian Ocean
River sourcesFitzroy River, Lennard River, Meda River, Robinson River, May River
Catchment area21,315 kilometres (13,245 mi)
Max. length120 kilometres (75 mi)
Max. width50 kilometres (31 mi)
Max. depth50 metres (160 ft)

Waters within the sound are generally turbid. The turbidity is associated with the erosion of tidal flats.

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