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Salt Ponds of the Virgin Islands

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Salt Ponds of the Virgin Islands

Throughout the Virgin Islands, salt ponds have been forming for thousands of years. The slow process of salt pond formation entail coral reefs and sediments.[1] On mountainous regions of the Virgin Islands, salt ponds usually form at the bottom of watershed areas, where the fluctuation of freshwater is heavy. Salt ponds contain various environment. Salts ponds sometimes called semipermanently flooded coastal ponds have been formed in sheltered bays which were once open to the sea. In a salt pond, salinity can go up and down. They support mangrove species and other salt tolerable plants.

Prevalence of Salt Ponds in the Virgin Islands[edit]

There are more than sixty salt ponds in the U.S. Virgin Islands.[1] Most are found on the islands of St. Croix and St. John, with less ponds found on St. Thomas and Water Island. Some of the known salt ponds in these islands include, Great Pond, located on the island of St. Croix, Redhook Pond, located on St. Thomas, and Newfound Bay located on St. John.

Coloration Spectrum of Salt Ponds in the Virgin Islands[edit]

Pelicans on the salt pond.

Salt pond coloration varies in the Virgin Islands. Microscopic forms of red algae, tend to grow densely in the upper levels of the water, due to oxygen being more abundant there. When the algae die, they sink, along with various sediment and sand, forming a decaying mass. The decaying process is then aided by bacterial processes in which sulfuric gas is released into the air, resembling rotten eggs.

U.S. Virgin Islands Salt Ponds


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  1. 1.0 1.1 Thomas, Barry Devine Toni, ed. (2005-01-01). Island Peak to Coral Reef a Field Guide to the Pland and Marine Communities of the Virgin Islands. University of Virgin Island. ISBN 9780615129921. Search this book on