Exploring Belize and its Barrier Reef: Formation, Ecosystem, Culture, and Human Influence on the Reef.

Abstract

The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere. The origin and evolution of the Belize Barrier reef in the southern portion of this system is strongly controlled by local tectonics along the boundary between the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate. This project focused on the modern and ancient geomorphology of the carbonate dominated region. Students explored the country's geology, ecology,and culture.