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The rocks underlying Barbados consist of sedimentary deposits, including thick shales, clays, sands, and conglomerates, laid down approximately 70 million years ago. Above these rocks are chalky deposits, which were capped with coral before the island rose to the surface. A layer of coral up to 300 feet (90 metres) thick covers the island, except in the northeast physiographic region known as the Scotland District, which covers about 15 percent of the area, where erosion has removed the coral cover. The government has adopted a conservation plan to prevent further erosion.
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Palm-trees-by-the-ocean-BarbadosPalm trees by the ocean, Barbados.[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
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Souvenir-market-stall-BarbadosSouvenir market stall, Barbados.[Credits : © Sylvain Grandadam—Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty Images]
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