Bay Of Telluride

== Overview ==
The Bay Of Telluride is a saltwater ocean bank located on the east coast of the Iron Coalition territory. It is separated from the South Harbinger Sea by the Mnelamin Coast, and from the Cartesian Channel by the Borgman Coast. The mouth of the Bay faces east, and it is a very important ecological and economic component of Hapsburg, Lexington, and Grotsk. 
The bay is approximately 1200 miles from its northernmost point at Fort James to its southern tip at the Tawney Islands. The total shoreline of the bay including subsections measures approximately 2643 miles, and has a basin measuring approximately 943,000 square miles. The average depth is 27 feet, reaching a maximum of 234 feet. Known for its beautiful sunrises and excellent fishing, the bay has suffered a depopulation of Razorjack in the last 10 years. Recent restoration efforts have showed potential however, with 2 consecutive years of species population increase according to a study done by researchers from the Killian Institute At Lexington.
==== Etymology ====
The bay gets its name from the pioneer who discovered it, Shipmaster Eldwin Telluride. In Y2608, three years after the defeat of Magnus Gariksson and the remaining indigenous Raskolian Raiders in the Battle of Ayerland Hill, Telluride would go on to found the first bay-side settlement. This would eventually evolve into Hapsburg. His naval background would heavily influence the town, and the bay was named posthumously in his honor. Some believe that the bay was named after the Telluridian Pearls found in its depths but this is false; the bay was named beforehand.
==== Geology ====
Researchers agree that the geology of the bay and its location were formed during a superbolide impact event towards the end of the Kaolithic Period (26 million years ago), forming a massive impact crater and the surrounding land features. The subsequent fallout and geologic shifts changed the sea level, lowering it by approximately 6 inches. The shores and cliffs lining the bay are evidence of this shift, as fossilized crustaceans and Targus Whale bones can be found in the sediment. 
==== Hydrology ====
The majority of the bay is fairly deep. At the harbors and shipyards of Hapsburg, the average depth is 73 feet. Past Walcott's Island this decreases further down to 92 feet. Over 37% of the bay is more than 14 feet deep. The water in the bay is mostly pure sea water, with a salinity of 34 parts per thousand (ppt). Depending on the season, water temperatures can range from 43 degrees Fahrenheit to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. It is extremely rare for the bay to freeze over, something that happened most recently during the winter of Y4138. 
==== Flora And Fauna====
The bay is home to a vast array of flora and fauna that either migrate or live there year-round. there are over 200 species of fish, shellfish, crab, sea urchin, turtle, and aquatic megafauna. Some of these species include the the Black Tailed Skipper Fish, Telluridian Boar-Bass, Bunker Crab, and Ironskin Eel. 
Birds include Herafrons, Blue Tufted Maelians, and Salt Warblers. Viper Swifts can also be found, which are an invasive species disrupting the natural ecosystem. They edge out smaller birds like the the Green Chested Luano for control of feeding territory, endangering the species in the process. It is believed that the Viper Swifts were trained birds that came to the territory with the Raskolian Raiders millennia ago, and have now been struggling to carve an ecological niche for themselves after the death of their masters.
Larger fish such as Ice Tangs, Rapier Sturgeon, Razorjack and Bowler Sharks frequent the bay. Larger deep sea threats such as Kaiser Sharks and Terrorclaws are generally kept at bay by the defenses at Fort Derringer. 
Sea Ballasts are also known to visit the bay. 
The Bay Of Telluride is also home to a diverse flora, both land and aquatic. Common submerged aquatic vegetation includes Brackenweed and Nascent Japonica. These aquatic grasses provide food, and shelter for a number of species, adding nutrients to the water and maintaining water clarity. Coastal vegetation includes Headstone Trees, wild Hatchcord, Lucierican Pine, and Laurisca Grass.