Why does Antigua have fewer forests and mountains than many other Leeward Islands?

Antigua is distinguished from many other Leeward Islands by its relative lack of mountains and forests, a characteristic largely defined by its geological composition. While much of the Leeward chain—specifically the islands from Saint Kitts to Montserrat—forms a volcanic ridge, significant portions of Antigua consist of coral limestone formations.12

Because the island lacks the high-elevation volcanic terrain found elsewhere in the region, it does not benefit from the increased rainfall that typically accompanies higher altitudes. This scarcity of water, combined with the absence of rivers and few natural springs, contributes to a drier environment that limits the development of extensive forests.12