Portions of the exposed rim of this caldera form the southwestern tip of the island at Scotts Head.

[1] The island, home to rare species of wildlife, is considered by many as a beautiful, unspoiled tropical preserve.

[1] Excessive heat and humidity are tempered somewhat by a steady flow of the northeast trade winds, which periodically develop into hurricanes during the Northern Hemisphere's summer.

[1] Although amounts vary with the location, rain is possible throughout the year, with the greatest monthly totals recorded from June through October.

[1] Humidities are closely tied to rainfall patterns, with the highest values occurring on windward slopes and the lowest in sheltered areas.

[1] Below is the climate data for Roseau, the capital city located on the western side of Dominica partially shielded from the trade winds by the mountains.

[1] The country's central spine, a northwest–southeast axis of steep volcanic slopes and deep gorges, generally varies in elevation from 300 to 1,400 metres (984 to 4,593 ft) above sea level.

[1] Several east-west trending mountain spurs extend to the narrow coastal plain, which is studded with sea cliffs and has level stretches no wider than 2,000 metres (6,562 ft).

Volcanism is still quite evident on the island, the most popular examples being Dominica's Boiling Lake and "valley of desolation."

Rock formations are mainly volcanic andesite and rhyolite, with fallen boulders and sharp-edged protrusions peppering slope bases.

[1] The light- to dark-hued clay and sandy soils, derived from the rocks and decomposed vegetation, are generally fertile and porous.

[1] Although scores of mostly mild seismic shocks were recorded in 1986, volcanic eruptions ceased thousands of years ago.

[1] Sulfuric springs and steam vents, largely concentrated in the central and southern parts of the island, remain active, however.

[1] Dominica is water-rich with swift-flowing highland streams, which cascade into deep gorges and form natural pools and crater lakes.

Irrigated land: NA km2 Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural): total: 0.02 km3/a per capita: 244.1 m3/a (2004) Natural hazards: Flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months Environment - international agreements:

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling Attribution: