Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 5 Geography

Introduction to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island country in the Lesser Antilles, located in the southeastern Windward Islands of the Caribbean Sea. The main island, Saint Vincent, is volcanic and mountainous with little level ground. The country's terrain is largely volcanic and mountainous. The windward side of Saint Vincent is rocky, while the leeward side has numerous sandy beaches and bays. The climate is tropical maritime, influenced by the northeast trade winds, with rainfall and temperature varying based on elevation.

Volcanic Activity: La Soufrière

La Soufrière, the highest peak in Saint Vincent (1,234 m / 4,049 ft), is an active stratovolcano. It has a history of recorded eruptions dating back to 1718. Notable eruptions occurred in 1812, 1902, 1979, and most recently in 2020-2021.

2020-2021 Eruption:

The 2020-2021 eruption began with an effusive phase on December 27, 2020, characterized by the growth of a lava dome. On April 9, 2021, the eruption turned explosive, generating pyroclastic flows and sending ash plumes 10km high. The explosive eruptions resulted in the formation of an explosion crater and multiple fumaroles. Approximately 16,000 people were evacuated.

Other Notable Eruptions:

• 1979 Eruption: A moderate explosive eruption occurred on April 14, 1979, leading to the evacuation of 20,000 people and two deaths.
• 1902 Eruption: A significant eruption occurred in 1902.
• 1812 Eruption: A major eruption occurred in 1812, famously depicted in a painting by J. M. W. Turner.

Other Geographical Features

Besides La Soufrière, other major mountains on St. Vincent include Richmond Peak, Mount Brisbane, Colonarie Mountain, Grand Bonhomme, Petit Bonhomme, and Mount St. Andrew. The island boasts diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, wetlands, rainforests, and dry tropical forests. The geology of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is primarily formed by overlapping basalt volcanic massifs from the Pliocene epoch.