Founder/Administrator
Joined: 14 Feb 2005
Posts: 5811
Location: Cayman Islands
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 Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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The white powdery white sand on most of Cayman's beaches is produced by the surrounding reef ecosystem. Termed biogenic, Cayman Islands sand is comprised primarily of the skeletal remains of aquatic plants and animals. Its extremely fine and soft texture combined with its white reflective color makes the sand cooler and softer than that of most continental beaches, which are typically comprised of terrestrial sources such as decomposing rock.
Wave and current activity constantly pulverize the corals, calcareous algae and shells of various sea creatures into fine smooth grains, which are bleached white by the sun. Calcified green algae also play an important role by contributing marine sediments. The calcified sand is deposited from natural bodily activity by many marine animals, such as sea urchin and parrotfish, which collectively produce a significant amount of sand. Parrotfish, with their sharp teeth and parrot like beak scrape algae from rocks and grind the coral exoskeleton as they eat the tiny polyps within. Being unable to digest the hard skeletal material, it passes through their digestive system, which is excreted as sand. A single parrot fish can produce several tons of soft white sand during its lifetime.
Next time you are diving or snorkeling near the reef, keep an eye out for a Parrotfish; if you are not sure what they look like, you will find them on our Fish ID card in Activity Guide. You will not only be able to see them munching on the reef but if you listen carefully you will hear the sounds of their beaks as they feast on the coral. If you observe them long enough, you will eventually see the excrement leave their body and settle slowly to the bottom of the ocean. |
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Joe Stebbins, Editor
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wow Thanks Joe......