Barbuda's Beaches
by Noah Craft
Location
Barbuda is located in North America, part of the nation Antigua and Barbuda which is in the Lesser Antilles. Its coordinates are 17°37'N 61°48'W. Barbuda is located near the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Plate, in the Lesser Antilles subduction zone.
(To the right is a map of Barbuda).
Type of Beach
Barbuda has active coasts because it is close to a plate boundary (the Caribbean Plate), and it's close to tectonic activity.
It is considered a secondary coast because its features were created by mostly marine forces. Barbuda is made of limestone formations, which usually come from the skeletal remains of marine organisms.
Lastly, it is submergent because it has been sinking relative to sea level since its existence. The rate of global warming is accelerating the sea level rise, which is threatening some of the islands in the Caribbean.
(To the left shows a beach of Barbuda).
Sand Color and Origin
Barbuda has white sand which originates from sedimentary rock, specifically limestone. The beaches were mostly created by coral limestone formations (to the right is a picture of the sand on the beaches of Barbuda).
Other Features
Barbuda is famous for its beaches, caving, and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. The waves are usually small (two-four feet) wind swells. Codrington Lagoon takes up much of Barbuda's west coast. The majority of Barbuda is flat, but it has highlands on the eastern side.
This picture is of Barbuda's 17-Mile Beach, also showing part of the Codrington Lagoon.