Volcanic Island Photo Editor

Most volcanic islands rise from abyssal depths in the ocean Oehler et al and have rugged or mountainous interiors with a wide range of summit elevations. It is often observed that steep slopes and dense tropical forest cover limit the use of interior lands for settlement on many islands. As a result community development roads and other infrastructure are concentrated largely along the coastal margin increasing exposure to coastal hazards.

High volcanic islands are often surrounded by protective fringing or barrier reefs. This may enclose lagoons of varying sizes Darwin, Nunn 1994. Larger islands may also have major rivers creating flood hazards and delivering large quantities of sediment. This can dominate coastal morphology. Sometimes in the vicinity of their outlets, extreme rainfall can trigger high runoff landslides and debris flows Mimura and Nunn1998.

For example, Barren Island Andaman India is the only active volcano located in the Indian Territory. The volcano vent is located in the northern part and the southern part is rugged and several endemic plants Macaranga sp. Ficus spare found here. Taveuni is a volcanic island located in Fiji and it is a shield volcano that rises from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Many tropical islands are of volcanic origin and often have very High Mountain ridges think of Hawai. Since the winds in that region blow predominantly from one direction. On the windward side of an island, the wind-exposed side receives much more precipitation than the other side leeward side. Why that air is the increase in water content with increasing altitude.

Higher altitude increases water content O The lee-ward side of an island is in the wind shadow of the mountains still air is always very dry. O Wind is always bringing rainfall 0 it has not to do with the air forced up the mountain. Rather the rain on the dry side of the mountain is blown into the ocean and does not land on the island. The moist ocean air is forced up the mountains to cool and water condensates.
Once the volcano falls dormant the long process of reclamation of the island by plant and animal life will begin again.

What we have witnessed over the past year is a microcosm of the events that have produced dozens of other volcanic islands in the region. These same processes have also produced much more massive volcanic islands such as the Hawaiian Islands and even the main Japanese islands themselves.

Cozumel is one of the best places to go diving in the western hemisphere. The ocean surrounding it is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world and the water is crystal clear. At the time of visiting I wasn’t certified to dive but still had a great experience snorkeling through the colorful reefs right off the beach. If you want to become certified to dive Cozumel has a ton of dive shops that can teach you. If you’re a diver Cozumel should be on your Mexico bucket list.

Even if you just don’t want to get in the water there are miles of white sand to relax on and soak up the sun. Cozumel or Mexico in general is a great tropical island paradise for North America to visit as it’s close by and very cheap to fly to.

For those that live near Toronto, I just discovered that Swoop Airlines sells tickets from Hamilton just an hour drive from Toronto to Cancun for as low as one-way. I might have to head back to Mexico this winter at those prices.
Ometepe was my favorite place in Nicaragua. A small island off the east coast with two dormant volcanoes. This place is lush with life.

As a nature lover exploring Ometepe was nothing short of a dream. Kayak through Lake Nicaragua hike to towering waterfalls lookout for colorful birds or take a dip in a natural spring pool. This tiny island packs a powerful punch of natural goodness. A new island formed as a result of underwater volcanic activity must be the world's hottest new property. The crescent-shaped landmass has formed part of the Japanese archipelago in the Pacific Ocean.