Natural/Physical Features

Natural features, also know as physical features or land forms, are the shapes and formations of land and water that have been created by nature (not man-made). Rocks, reefs, caves, beaches, forests and mountains are just a few of the natural features of the Caribbean region. The Turks and Caicos Islands, similar to many small islands, features rocks and caves. The caves are the result of limestone rocks which have been hallowed out by water over millions of years. Sea, sand, beaches, creeks and wetlands are evidence of areas of land that were, millions of years ago, volcanic rocks which pushed up towards the earth’s crust to change the land formation to form islands and water bodies of varying sizes.

Coral reefs, like caves, could not be formed without limestone. Coral reefs are useful in protecting the coastline from sharks and strong water currents. They are also havens for a wide variety of sea life.

Natural features of the TCI include- seas, beaches, sandy shores, limestone rocks, caves, cliffs and creeks.The Caribbean Islands also have natural features and can be grouped accordingly. There are volcanic, mountainous, flat and limestone islands throughout the Caribbean.

Some Natural Features if the TCI

Beach- the part of the shore at the edge of the sea covered with sand.

Princess Alexandra National Park, Providenciales

Cliff- a steep rock face especially at the edge of the sea.

Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos

Lagoon- a stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a coral reef or a low sand bank.

Mudjin Harbour - Middle Caicos

Salina- a small body of still, salt water, especially in a town or village.

Cockburn Town - Grand Turk

Hill- a raised land over 400 feet high.

Blue Mountain - Providenciales

Flamingo Hill - East Caicos

Sound- a narrow stretch of water connecting two larger bodies of water.

Juba Sound, Chalk Sound - Providenciales

Creek- a narrow waterway

Silly Creek - Providenciales

Cave - a natural hollow underground room

Conch Bar Caves - Middle Caicos

Dune - a pile , heap or mound of sand blown by the wind.

Wetland - an area of swampy and marshy land.

Mangrove - an area where plants can survive in salt water.