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