The geodynamic evolution of Cuba and its role in the Caribbean puzzle

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Mesozoic rocks of Cuba play a key role for any attempt to reconstruct the geodynamic history of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico area. Cuba has been part of the Caribbean plate during the Mesozoic and was accreted to the North American plate during Paleocene/Eocene. Sediments of the Mesozoic passive continental margin of North America are overthrust by island arc sediments and ophiolite rocks exposed in the Northern Ophiolitic Belt. The Volcanic Arc Terrane following in the Southwest represents a more evolved stage of Middle to Late Cretaceous volcanic arc formations. The role of Cuba in terms of Caribbean tectonics is controversely discussed in various models explaining the plate tectonic evolution of the Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico area. The Pacific model describes an evolution of the Caribbean in the Pacific realm and a later drift into its present position. An alternative hypothesis which has been favoured by the applicant based on many years of experience in Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Mexico) explains the evolution of the Caribbean in an inter-American position. Based on investigations in structural geology, geomorphology, geochemistry and stratigraphy it is planned to develop the geodynamic history of the ophiolite complexes of Cuba and to contribute to the discussion about the origin of the Caribbean plate. The Cuban ophiolites mark the suture line between the North American continent and the accreted Caribbean tectonostratigraphic terranes. Nappe thrusts are known from all tectonic units, however, detailed kinematic and morphological studies do not exist. The stratigraphic frame particulary of the ophiolitic rocks shall be improved by new determinations of radiolarian faunal associations. Structural parameters are to be investigated in all tectonic units using modern structural geological techniques (e.g. fault slip analysis, shear sense determination in mylonitic rocks etc.). These investigations will be accompanied by geomorphologic studies of selected areas along the suture line combined with detailed structural mapping. Geochemical studies of ophiolitic rocks shall analyze specific Caribbean characteristics as they are known from other places around the Caribbean, e.g. Costa Rica of Panama.