In situ origin of the Caribbean: discussion of data

Abstract

Compiled and synthesized geological data suggest that the Caribbean Plate consists of dispersed continental basement blocks, wedges of ? Triassic-Jurassic clastic rocks, Jurassic-Late Cretaceous carbonate rocks, volcanic arc rocks, widespread, probably subaerial basalts and serpentinized upper mantle. This points to an in situ origin of the Caribbean Plate as part of Middle America, continuing the geology of the eastern North America margin in a more extensional tectonic setting. Extension increases from the Gulf of Mexico through the Yucatan Basin to the Caribbean.