Geological History of St. Martin
The geological history of St. Martin is rooted in the region’s turbulent past, characterized by significant geological instability.
Up until around 4000 BC, major continental shelf movements caused frequent earthquakes and the formation of volcanoes in the Caribbean.
During the Ice Ages, when sea levels were 100 to 130 meters lower than today, St. Martin was part of a much larger landmass, combined with present-day Anguilla and St. Barths.
This extensive landmass spanned about 4,600 square kilometers compared to their current total size of 250 square kilometers.
The island’s environment at the time was rich with lush vegetation, diverse bird species, crocodiles, and large rodents.
This fertile and bountiful landscape may have attracted South American Stone Age people, known as the Ciboneys, who are believed to have inhabited the area during this period. The island’s geological history set the stage for the rich and complex human history that followed.
References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum.