Caribbean Sea
Body of waterAbout
The Caribbean Sea is a vast body of water in the western Atlantic Ocean, covering approximately 2,754,000 square kilometers. It is bounded by the Greater Antilles to the north, the Lesser Antilles to the east, South America to the south, and Central America to the west. The sea features diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangrove forests, which are crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection. The Caribbean Sea is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, stretching over 1,000 kilometers along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The sea's floor includes five major basins and two significant oceanic trenches: the Cayman Trench and the Puerto Rico Trench. These underwater features contribute to the region's unique bathymetry and high volcanic activity, posing risks of earthquakes and tsunamis. The Caribbean's ecosystems face threats from pollution, overfishing, and poorly planned tourism.
