The Geological Origins of St. John in the US Virgin Islands

Jaw fish seen in St. John

Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash

Paul Angelides is an engineering professional who is licensed in New York, Connecticut, and the US Virgin Islands. A part-time resident of St. John in the Virgin Islands, Paul Angelides enjoys exploring the natural aspects of the Caribbean island.

The smallest of the three islands that make up the Virgin Islands, St. John is also the least densely inhabited, with more than half of its acreage designated as national park. The rugged, densely forested island lies on a volcanic rock substrate.

St. John was formed from underwater eruptions that began 100 million years ago. Molten rock flowed out of vents in the ocean floor, which then began to rise, due to a combination of the new molten material and violent plate tectonic forces. 

Then, a period of above-sea eruptions created a foundation of solidified lava layered with sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is primarily limestone that is formed from marine animal and plant secretions. 

Next, stray seeds carried by ocean currents and trade winds gave the island a foothold for life. This, in turn, created a habitable island for birds, lizards, and the lone indigenous mammal, the bat. Today, the island’s volcanic origins are recognizable in the numerous rocky coves that protect the area’s extensive coral reefs and beaches.

An Overview of FCC Amateur Radio License Classes

A longtime resident of Syosset, New York, Paul Angelides has led his own engineering firm since 1987. Outside of his professional life, Paul Angelides pursues a diverse range of hobbies that includes hiking, attending charitable events, and snorkeling. An amateur radio enthusiast for almost six decades, he holds an FCC Extra Class license.

A popular hobby in the United States and around the world, amateur radio (also known as “ham” radio) dates back more than 100 years and involves licensed radio operators communicating with one another as hobbyists. Regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, ham radio operators must hold licenses earned by passing examinations. Currently, the FCC maintains three classes of amateur radio licenses. 

Technician Class: This entry-level license requires successful completion of a 35-question written test about FCC regulations and radio operation. While this license gives operators access to all UHF/VHF frequencies, Technician Class license holders have limited access to high-frequency bands and are restricted to certain operating modes there.

General Class: More advanced amateur radio operators may find Technician Class frequencies crowded and operating privileges limited. To access a wider spectrum of high-frequency bands and operating modes, hams can upgrade to a General Class license by passing another, more complex 35-question test.

Extra Class: The most advanced license available, the Extra Class affords holders the highest privileges available to ham radio operators, and allows access to all frequencies in the amateur bands. To achieve the Extra Class, applicants must pass a 50-question exam covering some of the more obscure elements of FCC regulations as well as advanced electronics theory and radio operation.