Roatán is mostly known for its beaches and underwater landscapes, however there are quite a few scientific interests inland that also happen to be picturesque.
Let's look at Weathering:
Physical
The mix of warm Caribbean air during the day, cool temperatures at night and exposure to a high salt content from the splashing waves of the Caribbean sea create a highly potent combination. Essentially: fluctuations in temperature and salt from the water (and subsequent internal crystallization) take advantage of the fractures the rock and weather the rock.
Image Credit: FlikrNotably: the salt weathering has also caused the petrification of these wooden posts which used to make up a pier.
Image Credit: Flikr
Image Credit: Flikr Constant hydration/dehydration has reacted with any mineral present and created Spheroidal weathering to this rock. Any production of grus has most likely eroded away due to it's proximity to incoming/receding waves.
Image Credit: FlikrLet's Look at Soil:
Because the island is a volcanic form, it is relatively all rock beneath the surface. Weathering and breaking down of superficial rock surfaces, decomposition of organic matter on top of the rock and strong leeching of soil on and in rock fractures has created a process of laterization. This has created oxisols (soil) on the surface, which enables plants to grow on top of rocky areas.
Image Credit: FlikrSources Consulted:
This is a well constructed blog! Your step by step look at both weathering and soil was easy and fun to read. The images with arrows are a huge plus and complemented the blog effectively. I was able to easily identify the forms and processes you were discussing. Honestly, this is the best blog I have read so far. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHello! Your blog is very pleasant to read! It's well organized, well explained, and the images are beautiful (but most of all they are useful). The arrows are great addition. I don't believe I have ever been to Roatán (or not that I can remember), but your images makes me want to go there as soon as possible! I am very impressed by how clean cut and informative your blog is. It wouldn't hurt to use the captions under the pictures to emphasize your picture even more. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI was actually in Roatan in August 2010. I remember contemplating the effects of the salt content in the ocean on the island. It was interesting to find out how this combination really has big physical effects on the land. It was also great to learn about laterization effects on the island. I would love to know about the effect of weathering on the ocean and its marine life. Your blog entree was very interesting and I’m looking forward to reading more about this island. Nice job!
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