Geography of Jamaica Essay -- Geographical History Jamaican Essays

geographics of Jamaica Christopher Columbus came upon Jamaica as his fleet sailed into St. Anns Bay on his number voyage of discovery to the New World in 1494. He exposit Jamaica as, the fairest island eyes have beheld mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky....and full of valleys and field and plains (Roberts, 141). Although founded by a Spaniard, Jamaica was eventually sold to England. Today, Jamaica is the largest of the English speaking tungsten Indian islands. The tropical island of Jamaica, called Xamayca by the Arawaks, is situated in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, near 90 miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti (Gleaner). The island is located strategically between the Caymen Trench and Jamaica Channel, through which there is heavy shipping traffic. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Greater Antilles. The island is composed of three parts, the Eastern Highlands, Central Plateaus and Hills, and Coastal plains. The geogr aphy is unique on a variety of levels. Of Jamaicas 4,411 square miles, almost half of its terrain reaches over 1000 feet above sea level (Roberts, 141). The lavishlyest breaker point on the island is at the peak of Blue Mountain at 7,402 feet high (Roberts, 141). The island stretches 150 miles long and about 50 miles wide, from St. Anns Bay to Portland Point. This terrain is do up of rugged mountains and lush forests, although about 640 miles of this island are beaches. The mountains are loosely located on the interior of the island, There are 120 rivers that come forth in the mountains of Jamaica and drain into the sea. This helps drain the average 77 inches of yearly rainfall. near all of the terrain is home to palm trees and other exotic plant lif... ...he import is still devastating to crops, homes, and communications. Other forces of devastation occur on measure of the human population of Jamaica. Deforestation is an issue on Jamaicas sugar, java and banana plant ations because of pesticides and fertilizers used. Local and corporate fishermen have been endangering small fish, which are adequate less abundant on coral reefs because of fishing nets and taint. Other environmental issues include sewage, waste and oil spills as well as pollution from cars in Kingston and other cities on the island. Monuments, beaches and Parks play a big role with the tourist industry of Jamaica. The islands touring cliffs, magnificent waterfalls and tropical forests retract many tourists. Over 90% of the natives of Jamaica are of African descent and their national motto is Out of many, One People.