STORM CONDITIONS AND VEGETATION IN EQUILIBRIUM OP REEF ISLANDS

Abstract

The study of reef islands on the British Honduras coast before and after a major hurricane in 1961 demonstrated the critical significance of vegetation in determining whether storm action is mainly erosional or aggradational. Ian-induced vegetation change in this area has led to major storms becoming primarily destructive, and this change can be related to the recent history of the islands. Instability resulting from continued interference with natural vegetation will have serious consequences for the economic use and even future existence of the islands; such use will best be regulated by allowing natural regeneration of vegetation in shelter belts along the most exposed shores of islands.