The Caribbean Islands. Three island groups 1. Greater Antilles 2. Lesser Antilles 3. Bahamas

CHAPTER 11 SECTION 2The Caribbean Islands

Physical Characteristicspage 246

Three island groups1. Greater Antilles

2. Lesser Antilles

3. Bahamas

Physical Characteristics

Three island groups1. Greater Antilles

- Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico2. Lesser Antilles

- islands that separate Caribbean Sea from Atlantic Ocean3. Bahamas

-northeast of Cuba- archipelago- group

of islands

Physical Characteristics

Island Formations- volcanic islands

- some islands are the tops of volcanoes mountains that pushed from the ocean

floor- rich soil

- coral islands- flatter terrain- created by the remains of coral

polyps- tiny, soft bodied sea animals- sandy soil/cannot support agriculture

Physical Characteristics

Maritime Climate- affected by sea and wind- temperature- on average- 80F- humidity levels can be high- precipitation

- windward- facing the wind (large amounts of rainfall)

-leeward- facing away from the wind (smaller amounts of rainfall)

Ethnic Roots

African Descent- enslaved Africans brought to work on plantations- influence on Caribbean culture

Asian Immigrants- most came voluntarily to work on islands

Economic Activities

Tourism

Agriculture- sugar, bananas, coconuts, cocoa, rice, cotton

-plantations/seaports

Migration

Because of political changes and environmental conditions many people left the islands of the Caribbean to move else where (ex: United States)

Economic Benefits- money sent home to reduce poverty throughout the Caribbean