a gulf in the Black Sea, extending 13 km into the west coast of the Crimean Peninsula. Width at the entrance, 41 km; depth, approximately 30 m. The Al’ma and Bulganak rivers flow into the gulf. The shores are low-lying and sandy. Running along the edge of the gulf and separated from it by sandbars are several salt lakes, including Sasyk (Ev-patoriia), Saki, and Chaika; these lakes are used for medical therapy. Evpatoriia Bay cuts into the northern shore.