Jamaica and the other islands of the Antilles evolved from an arc of ancient volcanoes that rose from the sea millions of years ago. During periods of submersion, thick layers of limestone were laid down over the old igneous and metamorphic rock. In many places, the limestone is thousands of feet thick. The country can be divided into three landform regions: the eastern mountains, the central valleys and plateaus, and the coastal plains.
The Blue Mountains extend over the eastern part of the island. Jamaica's main mountain system contains two ranges. The northerly one includes Blue Mountain Peak, which rises to 7,402 feet, the country's highest elevation. The second range, known as the Port Royal Mountains, extends south-eastward from the principal range, reaching elevations of up to about 4,000 feet. The John Crow Mountains rise in the extreme northeast of the island, between the Rio Grande and the sea.
Vestiges of volcanic activity occur in Jamaica in the form of hot springs.
Some of these springs may have dried up over the years, but there was a time when authoritative scientists were able to identify as many as ten including:
(1) Silver Hill in St Andrew: The waters of which were described as chalybeate, aerated, cold and tonic: beneficial in cases of debility.
(2) Moffatt on the White River in the Blue Mountain Valley: The water is sulphuric, cold and purgative, useful in itch and cutaneous diseases.
(3) A similar spring near the source of the Cabaritta River in Hanover.
(4) At Windsor near St Ann's Bay, reputed for the healing of ulcers.
(5) Warm springs at Garbrand Hall in the Morant River and the Adams River in St. Thomas; and in the Guava River in Portland.
(6) A spring at New Brighton in St Catherine; a mineral spring at Mannatee Bay, also in St Catherine; Golden Vale in Portland; Salt Springs at Ferry on Spanish Town Road, and also at Salt River in Vere.
The Windsor Mineral Spring (more commonly known as "Fire Water") is a small pool of water with a very unusual quality. The pool contains water which can catch fire! This phenomenon is believed to be caused by a high concentration of sulphur in the water.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com
It makes sense these are very active. I loved the 'fire water'....I'd love to see one of those!-very interesting!
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