Bonaire National Marine Park - KLEIN BONAIRE - GEOLOGY

About six hundred million years ago Klein Bonaire was formed by underwater eruptions and oceanic formations. Sixty million years ago Klein Bonaire finally appeared above sea level and became surrounded by much younger coral formations.

Substantial changes in sea level left up to four stranded terraces above the present sea level, and one below, most of which can be distinguished by "solution notches" (undercutting caused by bio erosion and/or wave action) in the elevated seaward facing limestone cliffs. These terraces are still visible.

Bio erosion processes formed the inland of Klein Bonaire as well. Saliñas and caves were formed about a million years ago. These are very important for the flora and fauna of the island of Klein Bonaire. For instance, the Saliñas are important feeding grounds for sea and water birds like the flamingo (Phoenicopterus rubber ruber), while the various caves on Klein Bonaire form the habitat for various invertebrates and insects. Further, the caves of Klein Bonaire give shelter to bats during the daylight hours.