How was Barbados formed geologically?

Instead, the island of Barbados is the exposed part of the Barbados Ridge Accretionary Prism, left as deep ocean sediments scraped to the surface as the Atlantic oceanic crust subducted beneath the Caribbean Plate. The oldest rocks are in the Scotland Formation and include Eocene age turbidite and radiolarites.



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Geologic and Tectonic Setting. Barbados is unique in the Lesser Antilles in that, except for minor ash beds, it is not a volcanic island. Rather, the island is composed entirely of sedimentary rocks.

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The physical characteristics of Barbados are its lowlands or gently sloping, terraced plains, separated by rolling hills that generally parallel the coasts. Elevations in the interior range from 180 to 240 meters above sea level. Mount Hillaby is the highest point at 340 meters above sea level.

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Locals call themselves “Bajans”. People born in Barbados are Barbadian by nationality. However, in Barbados and the Caribbean, persons born in Barbados are referred to as Bajans (pronounced Bay-juns). Also, the island Barbados is known as “Bim”.

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The indigenous name for Barbados was Ichi-rougan-aim. The name 'Barbados' comes from a Portuguese explorer Pedro Campos who in 1536, called the island Os Barbados ('The Bearded Ones') based on the appearance of the island's fig trees, which have long hanging aerial roots.

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Offshore finance and tourism have been important sources of growth. With strong foundations of economic freedom supported by notable transparency and efficiency, the Barbados government's economic policies are focused on attracting international companies.

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Barbados receives its freshwater supply from the frequency in rainfall and the islands' unique landform. Due to Barbados' shallow land structure and abundant coral-based surfaces, the island has trouble supplying its freshwater. A major provider to the island's potable water comes from underwater aquifers.

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Barbados is a relatively stable Small Island Developing State.

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Swimming safety Currents can be deceptively strong, including on some of the popular beaches on the south and west coasts. Some beaches do not have lifeguards or warning flags. Swimming is not recommended on many of the east coast beaches where currents are particularly strong. Follow local warnings.

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The water service in Barbados is reliable and the water supply is safe and refreshing to drink; although the water source naturally of high quality, the BWA treats the potable water supply with chlorine to comply with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

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Barbados lies in an area of relatively high-earthquake activity, the most likely tsunamis to affect the island are those which can be triggered by shallow earthquakes (less than 50km in depth). Currently, there is no comprehensive tsunami warning system for Barbados or the other Caribbean Islands.

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