Editing Geography of Dominica (section)

==Geology==
{{main|Geology of Dominica}}
Dominica was the last island to be formed in the Caribbean. The island was created by volcanic action about 26 million years ago. It lies upon two opposing tectonic plates. This explains why an island a bit bigger than [[Martha's Vineyard]] has mountains approaching {{convert|5000|ft|0}}.<ref name="bg090118">{{cite book |last=Holahan |first= David |title = Rugged Dominica worth the ruined sneakers | publisher = Boston Globe | date = January 18, 2009}}</ref>

Geologically, Dominica is part of the rugged [[Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc|Lesser Antilles volcanic]] arc.<ref name=":0" /> The country's central spine, a northwest–southeast axis of steep volcanic slopes and deep gorges, generally varies in elevation from {{convert|300|to|1400|m|0}} above sea level.<ref name=":0" /> Several east-west trending mountain spurs extend to the narrow coastal plain, which is studded with sea cliffs and has level stretches no wider than {{convert|2000|m|0}}.<ref name=":0" /> The highest peak is Morne Diablotins, at {{convert|1447|m|0}}; Morne Trois Pitons, with an elevation of {{convert|1423|m|0}}, lies farther south and is the site of the national park.<ref name=":0" />

The interior features rugged [[mountain]]s of [[volcano|volcanic]] origin. Volcanism is still quite evident on the island, the most popular examples being Dominica's [[Boiling Lake]] and "valley of desolation." The boiling lake (the world's second largest) is within a crater and is fed by a waterfall - the boiling is believed to be caused by the heat of a magma chamber beneath the lake. The valley of desolation is a sulfurous valley of volcanic vents and hot springs that inhibits significant plant growth - in stark contrast to the surrounding rain forest. Technically dormant today, this caldera last erupted in 1880.<ref name="bg090118"/> The area that exploded on 4 January 1880 was reported to be "fully nine square miles".<ref>''The Twillingate Sun'', February 10, 1881.</ref>

[[File:Volcanic rock (Dominica).jpg|thumb|left|300px|Volcanic rock at Pagua Bay, Dominica]]
Dominica's rugged surface is marked by its volcanic past. Rock formations are mainly volcanic andesite and rhyolite, with fallen boulders and sharp-edged protrusions peppering slope bases.<ref name=":0" /> The light- to dark-hued clay and sandy soils, derived from the rocks and decomposed vegetation, are generally fertile and porous.<ref name=":0" /> Only a few interior valleys and coastal strips are flat enough for soil accumulations of consequence, however.<ref name=":0" /> Although scores of mostly mild seismic shocks were recorded in 1986, volcanic eruptions ceased thousands of years ago.<ref name=":0" /> Sulfuric springs and steam vents, largely concentrated in the central and southern parts of the island, remain active, however.<ref name=":0" /> One of the largest springs, Boiling Lake, is located in the national park.<ref name=":0" />

Dominica is water-rich with swift-flowing highland streams, which cascade into deep gorges and form natural pools and crater lakes.<ref name=":0" /> The streams are not navigable, but many are sources of hydroelectric power.<ref name=":0" /> [[Trafalgar Falls]], located near the national park, is one of the most spectacular sites on the island.<ref name=":0" /> The falls consists of twin waterfalls known as the mother and father or the Mama and the Papa.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Trafalgar Falls - Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives |url=https://tourism.gov.dm/news-and-media/brochures/81-trafalgar-falls |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=tourism.gov.dm |archive-date=2022-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115084914/https://tourism.gov.dm/news-and-media/brochures/81-trafalgar-falls |url-status=dead }}</ref>  At the base of each waterfall are natural pools.<ref name=":1" /> Locals and tourists alike come here to enjoy the water.<ref name=":1" /> At the base of the Papa fall a natural hot spring can also be found which heats a portion of its pool.<ref name=":1" /> The principal rivers flowing westward are the Layou and the Roseau, and the major one emptying eastward is the Toulaman.<ref name=":0" /> The largest crater lake, called Boeri, is located in the national park.<ref name=":0" /> There are 83 "significant" waterways on the island out of a total of 365 with also includes rills and brooks.<ref name="bg090118"/>