Editing Geography of Dominica

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Infobox islands
| name             = Dominica
| image_name       = Dominica.png
| image_caption    = Map of Dominica
| image_size       = 
| map_image        = LocationDominica.png
| map_caption      = 
| native_name      = 
| native_name_link = 
| nickname         = ''Nature Isle of the Caribbean''
| location         = [[Caribbean Sea]]
| coordinates      = {{coord|15|25|N|61|20|W|display=inline,title}}
| archipelago      = [[Windward Islands]]
| total_islands    = 
| major_islands    = 
| area_km2         = 751
| length_km        = 47
| width_km         = 29
| coastline_km     = 148
| highest_mount    = [[Morne Diablotins]]
| elevation_m      = 1447
| country          = {{DMA}}
| country_admin_divisions_title     = 
| country_admin_divisions           = 
| country_admin_divisions_title_1   = 
| country_admin_divisions_1         = 
| country_admin_divisions_title_2   = 
| country_admin_divisions_2         = 
| country_largest_city              = [[Roseau]]
| country_largest_city_population   = 14,847
| population       = 71,727 
| population_as_of = 2003
| density_km2      = 95.51
| ethnic_groups    = [[African diaspora|Black]] 90%, [[Mulatto]], 8 % Carib-[[Amerindian]] 2%
| additional_info  =
}}

[[Dominica]] is an [[island]] in the [[Caribbean Sea]], located about halfway between the French islands of [[Guadeloupe]] (to the north) and [[Martinique]] (to the south).  Its coordinates are 15 25 N, 61 20 W.  It is known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean"<ref name=":0">{{citation-attribution|1={{Cite encyclopedia|title=Islands of the Commonwealth Caribbean: a regional study|publisher=[[Federal Research Division]], [[Library of Congress]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://www.loc.gov/item/88600483/|last=Martin|first=Atherton|date=1987|editor1-last=Meditz|editor1-first=Sandra W.|pages=267–270|language=English|oclc=49361510|editor2-last=Hanratty|editor2-first=Dennis M.|entry=Dominica: Geography}}}}</ref> due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which is protected by an extensive natural park system. It is the fourth largest island in the Eastern Caribbean with a population of people mainly of African descent.

The lowest point in the country is at [[sea level]] along the coast, and the highest is [[Morne Diablotins]] ({{convert|1447|m|ft|0|abbr=on|disp=or}}).  The extreme southwestern coast of the island includes a large collapsed submarine caldera. Portions of the exposed rim of this caldera form the southwestern tip of the island at [[Scotts Head, Dominica|Scotts Head]]. Natural resources include [[farming]], [[hydropower]] and [[timber]].

Geographically, Dominica is distinctive in many ways.<ref name=":0" /> The country has one of the most rugged landscapes in the Caribbean, covered by a largely unexploited, multi-layered rain forest.<ref name=":0" /> It is also among the Earth's most rain-drenched lands, and the water runoff forms cascading rivers and natural pools.<ref name=":0" /> The island, home to rare species of wildlife, is considered by many as a beautiful, unspoiled tropical preserve.<ref name=":0" /> According to a popular West Indian belief, Dominica is the only New World territory that Columbus would still recognize.<ref name=":0" />

Dominica is the largest and most northerly of the [[Windward Islands]]. The island faces the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.<ref name=":0" /> Its nearest neighbours are the French islands of Guadeloupe, some {{convert|48|km|mi|0}} north, and Martinique, about {{convert|40|km|mi|0}} south.<ref name=":0" /> Oblong-shaped and slightly smaller than New York City, Dominica is {{convert|750|km2|sqmi|0}} in area, {{convert|47|km|mi|0}} in length, and {{convert|29|km|mi|0}} in width.<ref name=":0" /> Roseau, the nation's capital and major port, is favourably situated on the sheltered, southwestern coast.<ref name=":0" />

==Climate==
The island's [[climate]] is tropical, moderated by northeast [[trade winds]] and heavy [[rain]]fall.

Dominica has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] and some areas bordering on a [[tropical monsoon climate]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Climate in Dominica |url=https://www.studycountry.com/guide/DM-climate.htm |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=SpainExchange Country Guide |language=en}}</ref> with characteristically warm temperatures and heavy rainfall.<ref name=":0" /> Excessive heat and humidity are tempered somewhat by a steady flow of the northeast trade winds, which periodically develop into hurricanes during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.<ref name=":0" /> The steep interior slopes also alter temperatures and winds.<ref name=":0" /> Because of the moderating effects of the surrounding ocean,{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}} temperature ranges are slight.<ref name=":0" /> Average daytime temperatures generally vary from {{convert|26|°C|1}} in January to {{convert|32|°C|1}} in June.<ref name=":0" /> Diurnal ranges are usually no greater than {{convert|3|C-change|1}} in most places, but temperatures dipping to {{convert|13|°C|1}} on the highest peaks are not uncommon.<ref name=":0" />

Most of the island's ample supply of water is brought by the.. trade winds.<ref name=":0" /> Although amounts vary with the location, rain is possible throughout the year, with the greatest monthly totals recorded from June through October.<ref name=":0" /> Average yearly rainfall along the windward east coast frequently exceeds {{convert|5000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, and exposed mountainsides receive up to {{convert|9000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, among the highest accumulations in the world.<ref name=":0" /> Totals on the leeward west coast, however, are only about {{convert|1800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} per year.<ref name=":0" /> Humidities are closely tied to rainfall patterns, with the highest values occurring on windward slopes and the lowest in sheltered areas.<ref name=":0" /> Relative humidity readings between 70 percent and 90 percent have been recorded in Roseau.<ref name=":0" />

Hurricanes and severe winds, most likely to occur during the wettest months, occasionally are devastating.<ref name=":0" /> The most recent hurricane of note was the devastating [[Hurricane Maria]] in 2017.<ref name="debrisfield">{{cite news|author=Gabriel Elizondo|date=September 25, 2017|title=Hurricane Maria turns Dominica into 'giant debris field'|newspaper=Aljazeera|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/small-island-dominica-hit-hardest-hurricane-maria-170925174603370.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006213320/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/small-island-dominica-hit-hardest-hurricane-maria-170925174603370.html|archive-date=October 6, 2017}}</ref> On August 17, 2007, [[Hurricane Dean]], a [[Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale|Category 1]] at the time, hit the island. A mother and her seven-year-old son died when a [[landslide]] caused by the heavy rains fell onto their house.<ref name="Forbes Haiti preps">{{cite news|author=Jonathan Katz|date=2007-08-18|title=Hurricane Dean Gains Caribbean Strength|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/18/ap4033014.html|access-date=2007-08-18}}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In another incident two people were injured when a tree fell on their house.<ref name="cbc_2007-08-17">{{cite web|date=2007-08-17|title=Hurricane claims one life in St. Lucia and possibly two in Dominica|url=http://www.cbc.bb/content/view/12195/45/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828065016/http://www.cbc.bb/content/view/12195/45/|archive-date=2007-08-28|access-date=2007-08-17|publisher=CBC}}</ref> [[Prime Minister of Dominica|Prime Minister]] [[Roosevelt Skerrit]] estimated that 100 to 125 homes were damaged, and that the agriculture sector was extensively damaged, in particular the banana crop.<ref name="cbc_2007-08-17_02">{{cite web|date=2007-08-17|title=Dominica Badly Affected|url=http://www.cbc.bb/content/view/12195/45/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828065016/http://www.cbc.bb/content/view/12195/45/|archive-date=2007-08-28|access-date=2007-08-17|publisher=CBC}}</ref> Before that were [[Hurricane David|David]] and [[Hurricane Frederic|Frederic]] in August 1979 and [[Hurricane Allen|Allen]] in August 1980.<ref name=":0" /> The 1979 hurricanes caused over 40 deaths, 2,500 injuries, and extensive destruction of housing and crops.<ref name=":0" /> Many agricultural commodities were destroyed during the 1980 storm, and about 25 percent of the banana crop was destroyed by strong winds in 1984.<ref name=":0" />

Below is the climate data for Roseau, the capital city located on the western side of Dominica partially shielded from the trade winds by the mountains.

{{Weather box
|location = Roseau
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 33
|Feb record high C = 34
|Mar record high C = 36
|Apr record high C = 36
|May record high C = 36
|Jun record high C = 36
|Jul record high C = 35
|Aug record high C = 35
|Sep record high C = 35
|Oct record high C = 37
|Nov record high C = 35
|Dec record high C = 34
|year record high C = 37
|Jan high C = 28.0
|Feb high C = 28.0
|Mar high C = 28.4
|Apr high C = 29.1
|May high C = 29.6
|Jun high C = 30.1
|Jul high C = 30.2
|Aug high C = 30.5
|Sep high C = 30.4
|Oct high C = 29.0
|Nov high C = 29.6
|Dec high C = 28.6
|year high C = 29.3
|Jan mean C = 24.9
|Feb mean C = 24.8
|Mar mean C = 25.1
|Apr mean C = 25.8
|May mean C = 26.6
|Jun mean C = 27.3
|Jul mean C = 27.4
|Aug mean C = 27.4
|Sep mean C = 27.1
|Oct mean C = 26.1
|Nov mean C = 26.2
|Dec mean C = 25.4
|year mean C = 26.2
|Jan low C = 21.8
|Feb low C = 21.6
|Mar low C = 21.8
|Apr low C = 22.5
|May low C = 23.7
|Jun low C = 24.5
|Jul low C = 24.6
|Aug low C = 24.3
|Sep low C = 23.8
|Oct low C = 23.2
|Nov low C = 22.8
|Dec low C = 22.2
|year low C = 23.1
|Jan record low C = 16
|Feb record low C = 16
|Mar record low C = 16
|Apr record low C = 17
|May record low C = 18
|Jun record low C = 20
|Jul record low C = 18
|Aug record low C = 19
|Sep record low C = 18
|Oct record low C = 18
|Nov record low C = 18
|Dec record low C = 17
|year record low C = 16
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 159
|Feb precipitation mm = 107
|Mar precipitation mm = 135
|Apr precipitation mm = 122
|May precipitation mm = 220
|Jun precipitation mm = 162
|Jul precipitation mm = 181
|Aug precipitation mm = 243
|Sep precipitation mm = 298
|Oct precipitation mm = 334
|Nov precipitation mm = 374
|Dec precipitation mm = 240
|year precipitation mm = 2575
|Jan humidity = 71
|Feb humidity = 68
|Mar humidity = 65
|Apr humidity = 64
|May humidity = 64
|Jun humidity = 67
|Jul humidity = 72
|Aug humidity = 73
|Sep humidity = 71
|Oct humidity = 73
|Nov humidity = 74
|Dec humidity = 72
|year humidity = 70
|Jan sun = 198.9
|Feb sun = 200.6
|Mar sun = 227.3
|Apr sun = 244.9
|May sun = 243.2
|Jun sun = 227.7
|Jul sun = 231.2
|Aug sun = 240.4
|Sep sun = 212.2
|Oct sun = 219.5
|Nov sun = 194.0
|Dec sun = 189.5
|year sun = 2629.4
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= NOAA >{{cite web 
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_IV/DO/78905.TXT
| title = Climate Normals for Melville Hall Airport 1961-1990
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = February 28, 2013}}</ref>
|source 2 = BBC Weather<ref name="weather1">{{cite web
| url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/3575635
| title = Average Conditions Roseau, Dominica
| access-date = February 28, 2013
| publisher = BBC Weather}}</ref>
|date=August 2010
}}

==Bays==
{{main article|List of bays of Dominica}}
Bays are as follows from the northern tip of the island in a clockwise direction:

[[Agoucha Bay]],
[[Sandwich Bay (Dominica)|Sandwich Bay]],
[[Grand Baptiste Bay]],
[[Petit Baptiste Bay]], 
[[La Taille Bay]], [[Rough Bay]],
[[Marigot Bay (Dominica)|Marigot Bay]],
[[Walker's Rest Bay]],
[[Sophia Bay]],
[[Londonderry Bay]], 
[[Mango Hole Bay]],
[[Middle Bay (Dominica)|Middle Bay]],
[[Panto Hole Bay]],
[[Petite Soufriere Bay]], 
[[Soufriere Bay]], 
[[Woodbridge Bay]],
[[Prince Rupert Bay]],
[[Douglas Bay (Dominica)|Douglas Bay]].

==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"/>

== Fauna ==
There are 172 species of birds, including four species of [[hummingbird]], [[broad-winged hawk]]s, [[yellow-crowned night heron]]s, and the [[brown trembler]].<ref name="bg090118"/> Some plants and animals thought to be extinct on surrounding islands can still be found in Dominica's forests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graham |date=2022-03-01 |title=Dominica Submits New Forest Conservation Targets After Hurriance Maria Damage |url=https://www.rainforestcoalition.org/country-news/hurricane-maria-damage-revealed-in-dominicas-new-forest-conservation-targets/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=Coalition for Rainforest Nations |language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[imperial parrot|sisserou parrot]] is Dominica's national bird and is indigenous to its mountain forests.

The [[Caribbean Sea]] offshore of the island of Dominica is home to many [[cetaceans]].  Most notably a small group of [[sperm whale]]s live in this area year round. These are shy animals, but there is a good chance of seeing them if you go out on a calm day. Other cetaceans commonly seen in the area include [[pilot whale]], [[Fraser's dolphin]], [[pantropical spotted dolphin]] and [[bottlenose dolphin]].  Less commonly seen animals include [[Cuvier's beaked whale]], [[false killer whale]], [[pygmy sperm whale]], [[dwarf sperm whale]], [[Risso's dolphin]], [[common dolphin]], [[humpback whale]] and [[Bryde's whale]].  This makes Dominica a destination for tourists interested in [[whale-watching]].

== Statistics ==
[[File:Dominica2021OSM.png|thumb|Enlargeable, detailed map of Dominica]]
'''Map references:'''
Central America and the Caribbean

'''Area:'''
<br/>''total:''
[[1 E8 m<sup>2</sup>|751 km<sup>2</sup>]]
<br/>''land:''
751&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>

'''Coastline:'''
148&nbsp;km

'''Maritime claims:'''
<br/>''territorial sea:''
{{convert|12|nmi|km mi|abbr=on|1}}
<br/>''contiguous zone:''
{{convert|24|nmi|km mi|abbr=on|1|lk=in}}
<br/>''exclusive economic zone:''
{{convert|200|nmi|km mi|abbr=on|1}}

'''Land use:'''
<br/>''arable land:''
8%
<br/>''permanent crops:''
24%
<br/>''other:''
68% (2012 est.)

'''Irrigated land:'''
NA km<sup>2</sup>

'''Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):'''
<br/>''total:'' 0.02&nbsp;km<sup>3</sup>/a
<br/>''per capita:'' 244.1 m<sup>3</sup>/a (2004)

'''Natural hazards:'''
Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months

'''Environment - international agreements:'''
<br/>
''Party to:''
[[Biodiversity]], Climate Change, [[Desertification]], Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, [[Law of the Sea]], Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

=== Extreme points ===

<!-- * Northernmost point – [[Carib Point]], [[Saint Andrew Parish, Dominica|Saint Andrew Parish]] *** See Talk -->
* Southernmost point – Coast southeast of [[Scotts Head, Dominica|Scotts Head]], [[Saint Mark Parish, Dominica|Saint Mark Parish]] 
* Westernmost point – Pointe Ronde, [[Saint John Parish, Dominica|Saint John Parish]]
* Easternmost point – Pointe à Peine, [[Saint David Parish, Dominica|Saint David Parish]]
* Highest point – [[Morne Diablotins]]: 1,447 m
* Lowest point – [[Caribbean Sea]]: 0 m

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{commons category|Geography of Dominica}}
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.dominica-weekly.com/trafalgar-falls/ |title=Trafalgar Falls &#124; Dominica News Weekly - Dominica News Weekly |date=May 31, 2007}}
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.in-west-indies.com/dominica/discover/geography.htm |title=Geography of Dominica: Discovery |date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-date=March 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326233851/http://www.in-west-indies.com/dominica/discover/geography.htm |url-status=dead }}
*{{Cite web |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-community-organizing-721407 |title=What is Community Organizing? |website=ThoughtCo}} 
*{{Cite web |url=https://www.thedominican.net/about/dominica.htm |title=Travel Dominica: Dominican photos, Dominica Geography, History, Economy - The Dominican |website=www.thedominican.net}}

'''Attribution:''' 
*{{CIA World Factbook}}

{{Geography of North America}}
{{North America topic|Climate of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geography of Dominica}}
[[Category:Geography of Dominica| ]]