Cay Article Index for
Cay
Articles about
Cay
Website Links For
Cay
 

Information About

Cay




A cay (also spelled '''key''', but both are pronounced alike as "key" {Link without Title} ) is a small, low Island consisting mostly of Sand or Coral . The word is used almost exclusively in the Caribbean , though it is sometimes used in the context of other Tropical Environment s, such as the Great Barrier Reef , Belize Barrier Reef , and especially in the Florida Keys .

Sand cays are formed when Tidal action, Wind and Sea Bird s deposit coral Debris and sand onto Reef flats over a long period of time. These deposits usually occur on the Leeward side of the reef, but occasionally made on the Windward side. Weather affects the formation of cays greatly; large tides would bring much more debris onto the cay and thus make it larger, while a Hurricane could completely obliterate a cay.

An example of a coral cay is Heron Island .


OTHER USES