Table of Contents
How do cays develop?
Cays are formed when ocean waves and tidal currents transport loose sediment across the reef top surface to a depositional node where concentration occurs and the sedimentary pile rises above the high tide (Hopley, 1981; Gourlay, 1988). Over time soil and vegetation may develop on the cay surface.
Where are cays formed?
Cays are formed when ocean currents deposit sand and other sediments on a reef, where it will build up, creating a sand island, seemingly in the middle of no where. The cays are surrounded by reefs, and often draw tourists in for great snorkelling on fringing reefs.
What makes an island a cay?
cay, also spelled key, small, low island, usually sandy, situated on a coral reef platform. Such islands are commonly referred to as keys in Florida and parts of the Caribbean. Sand cays are usually built on the edge of the coral platform, opposite the direction from which the prevailing winds blow.
Why are they called cays?
Cay is most often applied to Caribbean islands, the preferred pronunciation is “key” Cay comes from the Spanish word, cayo, which means key. Its first use to refer to an island occurred in 1707. Key also may refer to a naturally occurring low island, either a sandbar or a coral reef.
What is a cay vs island?
A small, low island largely made of sand or coral. A contiguous area of land, smaller than a continent, totally surrounded by water. A cay ( or ), also spelled caye or key, is a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef. …
What does cays mean in English?
Definition of cay : a low island or reef of sand or coral.
What is the largest Cay in the world?
Staniel Cay is an island located in The Exuma Cays, a district of The Bahamas. Staniel Cay is located roughly 120 km (75 mi) south of Nassau and 400 km (250 mi) southeast of Florida….Staniel Cay.
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Largest settlement | Nassau |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 118 |