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