Weathering, Hydrology, and soil

Sometimes referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, “The Baths” which are located on the island of Virgin Gorda, have some of the most breathtaking views that the BVI’s have to offer.  Located approximately three miles from “The Baths” is Gorda peak. This ancient volcano, which erupted millions of years ago, scattered scores of boulders throughout the southwest corner of Virgin Gorda.  Over millions of years, the ocean’s rising and falling tides along with changes in sea levels, eroded away the softer volcanic rock and left the harder granite boulders that we see today.

 

The weathering of these huge pieces of granite have also created numerous caves and tranquil grottos.

Gorda Peak

The dominant type of soil found throughout the islands is know as Victory soil.  Victory soil is apart of the Inceptisols soil order and contain a mixture of rock fragments (weathered extrusive igneous bedrock) and clay. This soil is not suitable for cultivated crops and is primarily used as rangeland.

The average rainfall throughout the BVI’s is around 27 inches a year but can often vary substantially from year to year.  The total rainfall amounts are amongst the lowest of all the Caribbean nations.  The Limited amounts of rainfall help recharge the aquifers, but only account for a small amount (10%) of the overall sources of fresh water on the island.

Most of the fresh water that is utilized throughout the BVI’s is supplied from desalination plants.  Brackish water provided from shoreline wells and alluvial well fields are treated through the process of reverse osmosis and supply clean drinking water to the 22,000 residents of the islands. 

Baughers Bay desalination plant located in Tortola