Belize Atoll

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Central America and The Caribbean
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How are landforms created in this region?
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Caribbean, Central American Landform creation
Cause Plate Subduction Creates Mountains (Central America)
Tectonic forces Cause Volcanic Eruptions New Islands
Uplift Coral Reefs New Islands (Cayman Is.) (Atolls)
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Plate SubductionLesser Antilles
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Plate Subduction Central America
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Coral Reef uplifted Island
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Belize Blue Hole Atoll
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• Belize Atolls
• Almost all the landforms of Central America and
  the Caribbean were created by tectonic activity.
  Just off the coast of Belize are three oval,
  island-like bodies called atolls that were pushed
  up slightly above the surface by tectonic forces.
  An atoll is a coral formation, usually ring or
  horseshoe shaped, that can be large enough for
  human habitation. Enclosed within the atoll is a
  shallow lagoon. The Belize atolls began forming
  70 million years ago. They are home to more than
  60 species of stony coral and 200 species of
  fish. The clear Caribbean waters near Belize
  make the atolls a favorable destination for
  divers.
• How might Global Warming have in impact on
  atolls?

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Mangrove Trees Tropical tree whose roots grow
in salt waterHome to many fish
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Climate Types

• Tropical Humid
• Tropical Wet and Dry
• Highland (rain shadow effect)
• SEE GRAPH
• - page241

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Resources

• Bauxite (Jamaica)
• Raw material of Aluminum
• Fertile Soils
• Fishing grounds
• Gold, nickel (Central America
• Oil
• FEW RESOURCES OVERALL!

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Top Resource Overall Physical Beauty and Warm
Climates
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Top Economic Activity Tourism

• Cruise Ships in the Bahamas

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Problems of Geography1. Volcano Eruptions
Montserrat and St Kitts Nevis
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Caribbean Volcanoes
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Problems of Geography2. Hurricane Damage
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3. Beach Erosion
Grenada
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Beach Erosion

• Caribbean beaches are vital to the regions
  economic and environmental health. Sandy shores
  protect areas farther inland from wave action and
  provide habitats for plants and animals. These
  beaches are essential elements in the regions
  profitable tourist industry. However, natural
  processes sometimes erode the beaches rapidly.
  Human actions can also cause beach damage.
• What are examples of natural beach erosion?
• What are examples of human caused beach erosion?

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4. EarthquakesHaiti Earthquake January 2010
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Regional Problems vs. Benefits

• Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions
• Vs.
• Physical beauty, warm/sunny climates, fertile
  soil, fishing grounds, mineral resources
• How do you think natural hazards might affect the
  environments and resources of Central America and
  the Caribbean?