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:
