A hierarchical tectonic model of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region

Abstract

A quantitative computer graphic methodology (hierarchical tectonic analysis) has been used to model the tectonic evolution of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region. This method employs a highly structured, hierarchical description of the relative motions of pairs of tectonic elements in order to quantify the timing and style of plate interactions. The main features described in this model are: 1. (1) a revised fit of Pangea 2. (2) the opening of the Gulf of Mexico in the Middle-Late Jurassic 3. (3) the formation of a Proto-Caribbean Ocean due to the separation of North and South America during the Early Cretaceous 4. (4) the formation of the Greater Antilles Arc along the western margin of the Proto-Caribbean Ocean 5. (5) the insertion of the Farallon plate between North and South America during the Middle Cretaceous resulting in the northeastward advance of the Greater Antilles Arc and the subduction of Proto-Caribbean oceanic crust 6. (6) the complete subduction of the Proto-Caribbean Ocean and the collision of the Greater Antilles arc with the Bahamas Platform in the Late Cretaceous 7. (7) the truncation of the Caribbean section of the Farallon plate from its Pacific counterpart and the formation of the Panama Arc (latest Cretaceous), and 8. (8) the westward movement of North and South America with respect to the Caribbean plate resulting in the opening of the Yucatan Basin (Paleocene) and subsequently in the evolution of the Cayman Trough and E-W zone of strike-slip.