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The
island of Puerto Rico is almost rectangular in shape,
and is the smallest and the most eastern island of the Greater Antilles
Ecology
The largest mountains are Cerro La Punta (1,338 m) in Jayuya; Rosas (1,267 m) found between Jayuya and Ciales, Guilarte (1,205 m) in Adjuntas, Tres Picachos (1,204 m) in Jayuya, and Maravilla (1,182m) in Ponce. Toward to the northeast is Sierra de Luquillo, whose highest peaks are: Toro Hill (1,074 m) found between Río Grande, Naguabo and Las Piedras, and El Yunque Peak (1,065 m) found in Río Grande. Another mountain chain is the Sierra de Luquillo in the northeast. The second main physiographic feature is the coastal lowlands, which extend 13 to 19 km (8 to 12 mi) inward in the north and 3 to 13 km (2 to 8 mi) in the south. A series of smaller valleys lie perpendicular near the west and east coast. This area was originally formed by the erosion of the interior mountains. The third important physiographic feature is the karst region in the north. This area consists of formations of rugged volcanic rock dissolved by water throughout the geological ages. This limestone region is an extremely attractive zone of extensive mogotes or haystack hills, sinkholes, caves, limestone cliffs, and other karst features. The karst belt extends from Aguadilla, in the west, to a minor haystack hills formation in Loíza, just east of San Juan. 
El Yunque Peak is the
Caribbean National Forest. These 28,000 acres are
all that remain of the rain forest
that once covered much of the island (indeed, much of the entire northern
Caribbean). More than 100 billion gallons (yes, billion) of rain
fall here each year, creating a lush forest with plants of incredible
proportions and variety. A moist hike or horseback ride take you past 240
species of trees, some thousands of years old, 50 species of ferns, 20
varieties of wild orchids and riotous multitude of flowers. Living in the
forest (all over the island in fact but quite far to spot) is the tiny
coquí frog. The name is derived from his cricket like
ko-kee chirp,
this tiny creature (a quarter to one inch in size) is considered to be the
national mascot. Other forest areas are: Guajataca in the
Northwest; Río Abajo, between Arecibo and Utuado; Aguirre in the South;
Piñones, east of San Juan; Guánica, west of Ponce; Maricao, Guilarte,
Toro Negro and Carite (Guavate), all on the transinsular Panoramic Route
Puerto Rico also has some of the most important caves in the west hemisphere. The Río Camuy runs underground for part of its course, forming the third largest subterranean river in the world. There are fine examples of stalactites, stalagmites and, of course, plenty of bats. Located near to Lares, on Route 129, Km 9.8, guided tours available, open Wed to Sun, US$10 for adults, U$S7 for children. Close by you can find the Cueva del Infierno, on which 2,000 caves have been discovered; in them live 13 species of bat, the coquí, crickets, an arachnid called the "guavá", and other species. Guide tours available, for details contact (787) 898-2723. Another unique environment can be found on Mona Island, 50 miles off the west coast of Puerto Rico. Like the Galapagos Islands, this untouched island has species which are not found elsewhere. Mona is a protected island, under the management of the United States National Park Service and the Puerto Rican Natural Resources Department. Accessible by a sometimes difficult, long boat ride, the island is available for sport diving to those who make special arrangements and are willing to rough it out.
Terrain
Rivers and Lakes Puerto Rico does not have natural lakes, although it has 15 reservoirs, commonly called lakes, formed by damming the main rivers to produce hydroelectric power and water for irrigation. Hydroelectricity accounts for less than 1% of the electricity generated, as most electric power uses petroleum as the energy source. The island has such natural lagoons as the Condado and San Jose in San Juan, Piñones and Torrecillas in Carolina, Joyuda in Cabo Rojo, and Laguna Tortuguero in Manatí-Vega Baja. Flora and Fauna |
![[Glos.]](images/glos.gif)
The mountainous interior is formed by a central mountain
chain commonly known as the Cordillera Central
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Highest Point: Cerro Punta, 1,338 m (4,389 ft) Lowest Point: Sea level, Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural Resources
Irrigated Land: 400 sq km (2003) Natural Hazards: periodic droughts; hurricanes
Note: important location along the
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Hydrography
Climate Rainfall tends to be evenly distributed throughout the year, but doubles during the months from May to October, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season, as falls from November to April, with a driest period from January to April. The north coast gets twice as much rain as the south coast. Annual precipitation in the north is 1,550mm (61.02 inches); in the south is 910mm (36 inches), in coastal regions 101-381 cm (40-150 inches) and in the mountains 508 cm (200 inches). Puerto Rico is expose to the cyclones of Caribbean, although less than Jamaica, Cuba, and the Lesser Antilles. Hurricanes frequently occur between August and October, although the U.S. National Weather Service considers the hurricane season for the North Atlantic Basin to run from June 1 to November 30. The North Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane seasons during 1995-2004 have averaged 13.6 tropical storms (34-63 knots), 7.8 hurricanes (>63 knots) and 3.8 major hurricanes (>95 knots). Dozens of hurricanes have been recorded in the island's history, but probably the most destructive was San Ciriaco, which struck on August 8, 1899. The relative humidity is high, about 80% throughout the year. Other Resources
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The climate is Tropical Marine with regular temperature of 80°F (26°C).
Puerto Rico enjoys warm and sunny days most of the year. Lightweight clothing
is appropriate year-round. The winds, which blow from the East, moderate
temperatures and rainfall.
In the interior, the
