Field Trip Post: Number Four

See if you can guess which coast is in each clip. Fun fact: Most of the advertisements and promotional materials feature the Northern Coast and West End Bay

One of the many benefits of Roatán for divers is the fact that it has two vastly different coasts. The Northern coast, which borders the Caribbean Sea, has a very gentle slant into the ocean and has more depositional landforms. The Southern Coast is mainly known for its tall walls that drop off into the abyss.

A view of the Southern Coast from my plane

The Northern Coast

Waves gradually carry in material from the ocean and deposit it. There are various reefs and spilling breakers which cause water to flow differently and reach certain parts of the island at different frequencies and intensities.

In the above image, forms are marked in red.

The tombolo has been formed by receding waves that pull material (such as sand and soil) away from the beach. The beaches have been created by incoming waves. Tidal inlets are present because of water runoff from the island itself and receding waves. Sand has been deposited on the reefs because the receding waves which has allowed the sand to migrate.

The Southern Coast

My buddy at Mary's Place

Most erosional landforms occur on the Southern Coast, yet have been covered by sea level rise. Caves, notches and arches occur at depths of around 40 - 90ft. The below image shows a notch that has been carved by the waves which have eroded away the rock.

One of the few above-sea level South end notches. The beach, shown above, is quite possibly a man-made feature because it is on the South side of the island. Walls, drop-offs and very steep surging breakers are more common. These features help create pristine underwater forms and dive attractions. Image Credit: flickr.

Thank you, Dr. Allen & Ms. Groom, for a great semester!