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Relief & Climate
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| Jamaica is a land of mountains, plateaux and plains. The eastern part of the island is composed of metamorphic rocks, which form the imposing range of the Blue Mountains. The length of the island is 146
miles, while the width of the
island is 51 miles (Area: 4411 sq. miles or
112425 km.). Jamaica lies between 17.5 and
18.5 degrees north (latitude) and
between 76 and 79 degrees west
(longitude). |
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The coastal area of Jamaica has a year-round temperature of 81° F during the day and 64–36° F at night. Trade winds from the northeast moderate the heat and humidity. Rainy season is September–November and May–June, and tropical storms and hurricanes can hit from May through December.
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| PHYSIOGRAPHY |
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| Blue Mountain Peak |
St. Thomas - Portland |
7,402 |
| Blue Mtn. East Peak |
St. Thomas - Portland |
7,375 |
| Sir John's Peak |
St. Thomas - Portland |
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| (north-east of Cinchona Plantation) |
- St. Andrew |
6,332 |
| Portland Gap |
St. Thomas - Portland |
5,495 |
| Catherine's Peak |
St. Andrew |
5,056 |
| Morce's Gap |
St. Andrew - Portland |
5,000 |
| Cold Spring Gap |
St. Andrew |
4,300 |
| House, Cinchona Plantations |
St. Andrew |
4,013 |
| Hardware Gap |
St. Andrew |
4,000 |
| Bellevue |
St. Andrew |
3,78o |
| Newcastle Parade |
St. Andrew |
3,750 |
| Hamstead |
St. Andrew |
3,66o |
| Silver Hill Gap |
Portland |
3,250 |
| Content Gap |
St. Andrew |
3,250 |
| Mount Denham |
Manchester |
3,235 |
| ArtullyGap |
St. Thomas |
3,ooo |
| Bull Head |
Clarendon |
2,781 |
| Holly Mount |
St. Catherine |
2,754 |
| Cuna>Cuna Gap |
St. Thomas |
2,698 |
| John Crow Mountains |
Portland |
2,500 |
| Dry Harbour Mountains |
St. Ann |
2,500 |
| (Cockpit Country) |
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| Mount Diablo |
St. Ann - St. Catherine |
2,250 |
| Guy's Hill |
St. Mary - St. Ann - St. Catherine |
2,100 |
| Mandeville |
Manchester |
2,060 |
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| RIVERS & MOUNTAINS |
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Rivers: Many great rivers radiate from these highlands, chief among them the Rio Grande which collects much of the damage of the north east slopes, and the Yallahs River which drains the central southern slopes. The latter has transported great quantities of material to build a delta which pushes the coastline a mile seaward.
Mountains:
The eastern part of the island is composed of metamorphic rocks, which form the imposing range of the Blue Mountains. A sinuous central ridge runs north-west to southeast, with many long spurs to the north and south. The crest of this ridge exceeds 6,000 feet for 10 miles with the highest summit at Blue Mountain, attaining an elevation of 7,402 feet.
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| Picturesque Jamaica |
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| Blue Mountains |
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| Crow Mountains - Much of Crow Mountains in north-east Portland are a strongly tilted plateau over 3,500 feet high between the Rio Grande and the east coast. The centre of the island has two high rolling plateaux, to the north the Dry Harbour Mountains, to the south the Manchester plateau. Both are largely above 2,000 feet, and temperatures are often 10 degrees below those of the coast.
More Rivers - Between these plateaux the land becomes more broken, till the limestone cover is breached to reveal older rocks at the centre of the island. The region from Troy and Ulster Spring in the west to Frankfield in the east is one of rich well-watered soils. Its many rivers include the Quashie, Hector's and Cave Rivers, which flow outwards and disappear underground after encircling limestone.
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| Marine Life |
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| Port Antonio Coral Reef |
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| Jamaican Beach |
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Coral Reefs - The north coast of Jamaica has almost continuous fringing coral reefs from negril to Morant Bay. On the South Coast large coral reefs are found between Kingston and Portland Bight. These reefs provide a habitat for many plants and animals and are important for both the fishing industry and tour ism. Reefs grow well in these areas because the water is clear, warm and shallow.
Beach Formations - The beautiful white sand beaches of Jamaica are formed when offshore coral reefs and calcareous algae are eroded.
The resulting sand is deposited in the lagoon area behind the reef . Miles and miles of sugar-white sand beach provide plenty of fun and sun for Negril's visitors.
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Protecting The Environment - Coral Reefs are important because many edible marine species live and breed there; It is home to many threatened and endangered species of marine wildlife. Reefs help to protect the shoreline from being eroded during storms as waves are weakened as they pass over the reef.
Reefs are wonderful recreational resources. Thousands of people dive, fish, boat and explore the beauty of reefs.
Scientists are discovering how to make new agricultural, industrial and medicinal products from marine organisms.
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JamaicaUnlimited.Com ..... The world's number one gateway ....for everything Jamaican ! |
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