In Search of the Primeval Oceanic Crust

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Pessagno 9418194 Chert and limestone samples collected from the basement complexes will be processed in the laboratory. Radiolarians liberated from the rock matrix will be identified with our scanning electron microscope. Following the productive format of previous work in other basement complexes, results are divisible into two important components. First, radiolarian faunas will allow better dating of these basement complexes. Careful field work permits selective dating and discrimination of both the igneous basement and any subsequent inclusions into this basement material. Second, the paleobiogeographical significance of radiolarian faunas will further constrain models of the paleogeographic development of the Caribbean Plate. The research fills in gaps in the knowledge of Earth history especially providing further details of the age and origin of various fragments of the Caribbean Plate.