Boca Chica Key
| Boca Chica Key | ||
|---|---|---|
| Waters | Gulf of Mexico | |
| Archipelago | Florida Keys | |
| Geographical location | 24 ° 35 ′ N , 81 ° 42 ′ W | |
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Boca Chica Key is an island that belongs to the Lower Florida Keys . The name comes from Spanish and means something like "small mouth". The island lies in the east and southeast on the Atlantic Ocean, on the Gulf of Mexico in the north and on the strait from Florida to the south.
The US 1 (or Overseas Highway ) crosses the island at MM 6.5-8, east of Key West.
geology
Boca Chica Key is nearly 2.8 miles long and 1.4 miles wide. The island is covered with a thin layer of topsoil interspersed with sediments from the tidal difference . The lower layer consists of lime mixed with corals and marl . The vegetation is limited to dense mangroves and individual clusters of small trees; the exception are grassy areas with individual coconut trees.
use
The island is home to the largest naval base ( NAS Key West ) in South Florida.