Cays

//__ Cays __// A cay (also spelt caye or key ; pronounced key) is a small, sandy island, low in the sea, which is formed on the surface of coral reefs. Cays can only be formed in warm, tropical environments (e.g. throughout the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans.)

Cays are formed when ocean currents carry loose bits of rock and sand, over the surface of coral reefs or old beach rock. Eventually a pile of deposited rock and sand is formed on top of the reef. This is the beginning of a cay. Gradually, over many years, the small pile of rock and sand gains more and more material until it can be considered a small island. This is the type of cay which Phillip and Timothy float to in __//The Cay//__. Cays can also be made up of the skeletal remains of animals and plants from the nearby coral reef ecosystems.

By Alleyne and Katie Some cays are uninhabited because there is no water, but fishermen drawn to the large abundance of crawfish, turtles and fish inhabit others. Some of the animals inhabiting cays are iguanas, geckos, turtles and sometimes monkeys. Cays form over the surface of coral reefs and occur in tropical areas like the Great Barrier Reef. Examples of some cays are the Miskito cays where fishermen live in houses on stilts. Another example are the Ambergris Cays.

By Teagan, Lindal and Tara