What is the difference between a coral cay and a continental island

These island clusters are usually formed as a result of volcanic activity. Other reasons for their appearance include land elevation, erosion and deposition. Isle or island is the situation when a small part of land is surrounded by water from all sides. If island is present on coral reef it is called as cay and if it surrounds a lagoon we call it atoll. If a piece of land is surrounded by water from three sides but connected with main land from one side, it is called peninsula.

A group of islands is called archipelago and continent is different from all of them, as it is a very large land mass. Subscribe via RSS Home. Cay Cay is small Sandy Island, which is formed on the surface of coral reefs. Peninsula A piece of land which is surrounded by water from three sides, but connected with main land from one side is called as peninsula.

Atoll When a coral island surrounds a lagoon, it is called as Atoll. Isle and Island Isle and Island are the same. Continent There are seen pieces of very large land masses on the surface of earth. Wildlife helps fertilize the sediment making it possible for vegetation to grow and thrive.

Often islands and cays are indistinguishable to the eye. The difference between the two comes down to the formation. Although there are technical differences between the two, the two terms are commonly used interchangeably. Remember geometry from school? The concept that every square is a rectangle but not every rectangle is a square works here. Your email address will not be published. Remember me Lost your password? Log In. Don't have an account?

A healthy reef is vital to the survival of these complex and fragile formations, and much concern over the climate changes and rising sea levels have people debating over the future survival of Cayes. Ray Caye has always done its part to conserve, protect and revitalize all the natural wonders that are on and around this little bit of paradise. Come visit us and take a tour through the organic garden, learn about the solar panels, eat some lionfish and see how we do our part to preserve Belize.

Oct 4, The truth is you are on both… Whether you spell it caye, or cay, or key, or pronounce it however you choose, if the bit of land you are on is sandy, and has a few coconut trees, it may well be a caye. Book Now. See All Tours.