Background
The Caribbean Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the south of the Atlantic, bordered by its surrounding countries. To the north and west lies the Greater Antilles and beneath these countries lay the Lesser Antilles. Throughout its entirety the Caribbean Sea is 2,754,000 km2 in size, with an average depth of 2,200 m. There are two very deep features: the Cayman Trough and the Cuban Deep. Within the Cayman Trough, the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea is the Cayman Trough, which reaches depths of over 7,680 m.
Relative Depths
The Caribbean Sea is the 12th largest body of water in the world and acts as a connection between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It is generally less than 2,000 m deep with the average depth of 2,200 m, while some of its extremities reach depths over 7,600 m. There are 56 submarine canyons in the Caribbean Sea: one of the deepest and most infamous of these is the Colombian Deep, which reaches depths of over 5,000 m. When compared to hemispheric basins, the Caribbean Sea is far shallower than the Pacific Ocean, which has an average depth of 4,035 m.
The Deepest Part of the Sea
The deepest part of the Caribbean Sea can be found in the Cayman Trough. It is located off the coast of Jamaica and is around 7,680 m deep. The Cayman Trough is considered to be the most will developed deep trench in the western Atlantic Ocean and is home to a range of deep-water organisms. At its deepest point, the water pressure is equivalent to that of two-and-a-half Boeing 747s.
Effects of the Deep
The Caribbean Sea is a habitat for hundreds of species of fish, including the endangered sawfish, which can be found in the depths of the Cayman Trough. The Caribbean Sea is also a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, with some of the largest coral reef systems in the world. The high depths of the sea also allow for marine research, including mapping the seafloor and studying the behavior of organisms who inhabit the area.
Weather Patterns
The Caribbean Sea is strongly influenced by weather patterns, most notably the warm water currents from the Gulf of Mexico. These currents are responsible for the warm climate of the Caribbean Sea, which often supports the formation of tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Furthermore, the high depths of the sea cause a change in water pressure, and hence an effect on the quantity and motion of the ambient air within the Sea. This can lead to stormy winds and turbulent currents.
The Caribbean Sea as an Ecosystem
The Caribbean Sea can be considered as an ecosystem due to the large variety of species which inhabit the area. Several species of whales, dolphins and turtles can be found in the Caribbean Sea, along with over 600 species of fish. The large number of coral reefs provide a home for large amounts of marine life, and the sea bed is full of interesting benthic biota.
Biological Diversity
The Caribbean Sea is home to an incredibly diverse range of marine species. In terms of mammals, the Caribbean Sea includes humpback whales, spotted dolphins and sea turtles. In terms of fish, the Caribbean Sea is known for species such as red snappers, french angelfish and grouper. Coral reefs provide home to hundreds of other species, such as sea sponges, lobsters and crabs.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts are being made to protect the Caribbean Sea and its inhabitants. As fishing is a popular industry across the Caribbean, overfishing has been a problem. That being said, many conservation efforts have been put in place to combat this issue, such as the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These areas are friendly to certain species of fish and protect them from overfishing. Conservation programmes are also being established to rehabilitate coral reefs and other areas of the sea which have been damaged.
Commercial Trade and Tourism
The Caribbean Sea is home to many industries, the most popular being commercial trade and tourism. As the Caribbean is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters and diverse species, it has become a popular tourist destination as well as a hub for trade. The warm tropical climate and delicious seafood also draw tourists to the area.
Oil Exploration
Oil exploration is a major industry for the Caribbean Sea. As oil and gas are global commodities, oil companies have been active drilling in the areas of the Caribbean Sea which reach great depths. In recent years, there has been a focus on locating new sources of oil, as well as a focus on deepwater exploration.
Potential Impacts of Climate Change
Like many other bodies of water, there are potential impacts of climate change on the Caribbean Sea. As the sea levels are rising due to climate change, the shallow parts of the Caribbean have already been affected, resulting in coastal erosion and loss of habitat for marine species. Furthermore, the rise of temperatures may cause coral bleaching, leading to the death of the reefs.
Conclusion
The Caribbean Sea is an incredibly diverse and fascinating ecosystem. It is home to a range of species and a popular destination for tourists and those in the commercial trade industry. The depths of the Caribbean vary from place to place, with the deepest part being found in the Cayman Trough. There are many potential impacts of climate change on the Caribbean Sea and conservation efforts are being put in place to protect the area and its inhabitants.
