Geology Blog- The Bahamas

 Volcanoes in The Bahamas:      Although the Bahamas is known for its white sandy beaches and warm water, The Bahamas originated from volcanoes in the country and in the Caribbean islands that came out of the ocean to create the islands. The original islands formed about 150 million years ago. There are various volcanos spread throughout the Caribbean.  Some of the main volcanos within the area are La Soufrière, Soufrière Hills, Mount Pelée, and Mount Scenery. La Soufrière is the most recent volcano that had activity. According to Bahamas.gov On  the 9th  of April 2021, subsequent moderate eruptions increased the level of ash and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere creating hazardous conditions within the Caribbean.  Westerly winds in the upper levels have taken the majority of the volcanic ash eastward across the Atlantic to as far as the Indian Ocean, reducing its concentration in the immediate area. The Bahamas is located north...

Earthquakes:  Since the Bahamas is located just north of the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate, there are little earthquakes throughout the country. Throughout the last 44 years, there have only been 15 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2 to 4.3. An earthquake on October 28, 2023, was the largest in decades with a 4.3 magnitude. Most of the earthquakes are around the magnitude of 3. The most recent earthquake in The Bahamas was only 12 days ago... An earthquake occurred on Jan. 29, 2024, with a magnitude of 3.5. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 5 Km underground, which is a relatively shallow earthquake. It was not reported that anyone was able to feel the earthquake. However there are not many earthquakes in the area, and there are still necessary preparations that can be in place. One of these preparations that can be implemented is an upgraded warning system to help inform locals about possible hazards that may be on the horizon. Additionally, The Bahamas could ...

Plate Tectonic and Boundaries in The Bahamas: The Bahamas is located in one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world, the Caribbean.  A warm tropical paradise that is a tourist hotspot for many Americans and others around the world. Many people don't know that it is located very close to two separate tectonic plates, the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate.  The Bahamas are at the bottom of the North American Plate, right above the Caribbean Plate. The location of the country on top of these tectonic plates has a minor impact on its natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis. According to VolcanoDiscovery.com, there have been only 15 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2 and above. This leaves The Bahamas with only a 2% chance each year of having earthquakes with the potential to cause damage to the country. Because the Bahamas is so close to the convergence of the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate, There is a higher risk for tsunamis. The are a ...