1. Geology of Central America

2. Earth 65 Million Years Ago

3. Isthmus of Panama

4. Belize 65 Million Years Ago

5. Belize Today

6. Belize Today east to west section

7. Tropical Coral Reefs  Coral reefs found only between 30º N and S latitude & require shallow, warm, clear water.  Built by coral animals with mutualistic algae – CaCO 3 skeletons.  The need for “shallow” waters means that most are around land.

8. Reef Types

9. Fringing Reef flat back reef reef face

10. Belize Barrier Reef and Atolls

12. Atoll Formation