Geology of Cuba

herausgegeben von: Prof. Dr. Manuel Enrique Pardo Echarte

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Regional Geology Reviews

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

The evolution of geological cartography in Cuba in its more than 135 years of history has been possible through the consultation of numerous archival reports, publications, maps and personal interviews with different authors and geologists of vast experience. A brief critical analysis is made of the increase in the degree of geological knowledge of the country since the elaboration of the Geological Sketch of the Cuban Island at a scale of 1: 2 000 000 (Fernández de Castro, 1883), first of Cuba and of Ibero-America, until the most recent Digital Geological Map of Cuba at scale 1: 100 000 (Pérez Aragón, 2016). Cuba and its surroundings are a geological mosaic in the southeast corner of the North American plate with rocks from many different origins, from Proterozoic to Quaternary, extended along the southern border of the plate. From the Eocene, this belt has been dissected by several great faults, related to the development of some great oceanic depressions (Cayman trough and Yucatan basin). The fossil record of Cuba, which covers approximately the last 200 million years of life on Earth, is rich in very varied fossils, witnessing a wide diversity of organisms, both animals and plants, that inhabited the Antillean and Caribbean region; and that constitute the inheritance of the biological diversity that the current Cuban archipelago exhibits. As a result of the preparation of the Cuban Metallogenic Map at scale 1: 250 000, forty-one models and eight sub-models of metallic mineral deposits were identified. These models, of descriptive–genetic type, together with the analysis of their spatial distribution and their relationship with geology, allowed the identification and mapping of ten mineral systems, linked to the geodynamic environments present in the Cuban territory. Cuba has large deposits of limestone, loam, dolomite, kaolin, gypsum and anhydrite, rock salt, marbles, sands and clays of different types, zeolites, peat, therapeutic peloids and many more. There are manifestations of decorative and precious rocks such as jasper, jadeite, different varieties of quartz and even xylopals. A compilation of geochemical data of oceanic basalt samples from previous works, together with data of analyzed samples during this study in order to discuss geochemical criteria based on immobile element (proxies for fractionation indices, alkalinity, mantle ﬂow and subduction addition), provide a comprehensive ophiolite classification according to their tectonic setting. This book addresses different facets of the geological knowledge of Cuba: history of its cartography, marine geology, fossil record, stratigraphy, tectonics, classification of its ophiolites, quaternary deposits, metallogeny and minerageny.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Geological Cartography of Cuba

Abstract

Through the consultation of numerous archival reports, publications, maps, and personal inquiries to different authors and geologists of vast experience, it has been possible to compile a large amount of data about the evolution of geological cartography in Cuba throughout its more than 135 years of history. A brief critical analysis of the degree of growing of the country’s geological knowledge is made, from the elaboration of the Geological Sketch of the Island of Cuba at 1:2000000 scale [30], first of Cuba and of Latin America, until the latest Digital Geological Map of Cuba at scale 1:100000 [71]. It’s also briefly commented on the elaboration of some maps at detailed scales and the conditional surveys at scales 1:100000 and 1:50000 carried out in collaboration with the ex—Soviet Union and countries of the former Eastern European Socialist Field. Finally, the projection of the new geological mapping works at scale 1:50000 to be carried out throughout the national territory in the framework of the Geology Development Program until 2030 are briefly addressed. Special tribute is given to all people, Cuban and foreigners, who have worked in the field of geological cartography in Cuba throughout its history.

Ramón Omar Pérez Aragón

Chapter 2. Geology of the Marine Territory of Cuba

Abstract

It is considered as geology of the marine territory of Cuba to that developed during the Pliocene-Quaternary in the areas occupied by the sea between the upper edge of the insular slope and the current coast. The investigations reveal that the deposits of this interval have different characteristics to those of the emerged territories of the islands of Cuba and of de la Juventud, determined by: (1) their biogenic-carbonate composition without or with very few terrigenous components; (2) distribution through the entire surface of the seabed and the keys, without the presence of pre-quaternary rocks and (3) structure and morphology, typical of banks, bars, plains and depressions. Cuba is one of the countries with the greatest geological knowledge of its marine territory, which is covered in its entirety by research at different scales. Its results are recorded in numerous reports and publications, among which the geological maps of the Republic of Cuba at scales 1: 500,000 and 1: 100,000, the neotectonic map at scale 1: 500,000 and 2 monographs stand out. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to the dissemination of the results on the geology of the marine territory of Cuba. The following topics are addressed: (1) terms and definitions specific to the study territory or, conceptual-theoretical framework, to provide the better understanding of the composition, distribution and genesis of seafloor and keys deposits, as well as its morphogenesis. For example: shelf, sectors without shelf, coastal zone, coasts and insular slope, as well as the predominant lithomorphogenetic processes and factors (biogenic, hydrogenic, tectonic, paleoclimatic, eolic, chemogenic, lithological and anthropogenic); (2) the main works, on which the chapter is based and (3) aspects that constitute the contribution of this work: morphogenetic complexes and relief forms, stratigraphic and sedimentological characteristics, neotectonic, geological evolution and mineral resources. The text is widely illustrated with geological, geomorphological, neotectonic, paleogeographic and mineral resource maps. In addition, abundant geological-geomorphological sections, chronostratigraphic columns and photos.

Miguel Cabrera Castellanos, Betsy Vázquez Gainza

Chapter 3. Synthesis of Fossil Record of Cuba—A Bibliographic Compilation

Abstract

In general, the “Cuban Fossil Record”, which covers approximately the last 200 million years of life on Earth, is rich in very varied fossils, witnessing a wide diversity of organisms, both animals and plants, that inhabited the Antillean and Caribbean region and constitute the inheritance of the biological diversity exhibited by the current Cuban Archipelago. The most characteristic fossils of Jurassic Period in Cuba are petrified bones of marine reptiles, shells and molds of ammonites, petrified skeletons and molds of ganoid fish, bivalve mollusc shells, fronds and carbonized plant stems, mainly ferns, and very abundant pollen and spores. The fossil record of the Cretaceous Period is characterized by shell varieties of rudist molluscs, ammonites, and aptychus, endoskeletons and radioles of echinoids, gastropod shells such as the acteonellids, nerineids and naticids, ostreids, and others. Other fossils such as corals, ichnofossils, the very diverse planktic and benthic foraminifera, and radiolaria are also common. The fossils that characterize the Paleogene are abundant echinoderms, shark teeth, ichnofossils, shells and molds of turritellid and naticid gastropods, ostreids, and various foraminiferal genera, especially large orbitoids. Neogene rocks contain abundant shells and molds of bivalve and gastropod molluscs, and mineralized endoskeletons of various sea urchins are also common. Corals and frequent skeletons and molds of marine crustaceans can also be commonly found. Among vertebrates, fish are very common, mainly teeth of sharks, rays, and skeletons of bony fish, and a single whale tooth have also been found. The fossil remains of sirenians are relatively common. Very important is the finding of terrestrial mammal vertebrate remains, among them are monkey, rodents, and sloths. The greatest feature exhibited by the fossil record of the Quaternary in the Cuban Archipelago is perhaps the peculiar fossil material produced by the diverse megafauna of terrestrial vertebrates, which inhabited it in the last hundreds of thousands and thousands of years ago. It also highlights the bones and teeth of large sloths, various rodents, the giant predatory birds and gunboats, small and giant insectivorous, numerous bats, reptiles, and amphibians, among other animals that disappeared in the recent past. Fossils are part of the Cuban natural heritage, and as such, they deserve to be studied, conserved and protected, as a legacy to future generations, to contribute to a better understanding of our origins and to the full enjoyment of our island nature. The numerous literature about Cuban fossils allows us to know the varied degree of study exhibited by the different fossil groups reported to this day. The irregular development of the investigations carried out so far reveals the possibilities of study that the Cuban fossil record still needs, and which points out the future path for new researchers interested in different topics on this paleontological richness, where there are many questions to be solved, even waiting to assess correctly, from modern work basis.

Reinaldo Rojas Consuegra

Chapter 4. Stratigraphy of Cuba

Abstract

The lithostratigraphic units of the Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary periods participate in the geological structure of the Cuban archipelago. Precambrian rocks have been dated to singular outcrops in the southern area of Corralillo and La Teja in the provinces of Villa Clara and Matanzas, respectively. The formations of these periods are represented by sedimentary, volcanic, volcanic-sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, which are registered in the subsoil or forming the depressions and mountainous areas of the national territory. For a better understanding of this chapter, the stratigraphy has been described through the Paleogeographic Domains: Synrift, North American Continental Margin, Cretaceous and Paleogenic Volcanic Arcs, and Superposed Basins with their corresponding Petrotectonic Set. The metamorphic rocks, whose protolith were sedimentary rocks, and those of the Neogene and Quaternary systems have been briefly treated. Most of the mentioned lithostratigraphic units are registered in the Third Version of the Léxico Estratigráfico de Cuba (2013), but some do not appear. They are described by a large number of samples studied, of use and importance in the gaso-petroleum search works of different Cuban regions, especially in the Northwest Belt of Hydrocarbons of Cuba. This territory includes the northern provinces of Havana, Mayabeque, and Matanzas. When making the stratigraphic description, the maxim of Gignoux (Stratigraphic geology: W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco 682 Gignoux (Stratigraphic geology: W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco. English edition (Fourth French edition trans: Woodford GG) p 682 [1])) has been followed, which considers that “Stratigraphy and Tectonics are two inseparable branches of the geological sciences.” So that, the Global Tectonics or Plates Tectonics has been considered when recognizing the processes of folding and thrust that occurred during the Cuban orogeny. The main overlapping basins of Cuba and their lithostratigraphic units are described.

Evelio Linares Cala, Dora Elisa García Delgado

Chapter 5. An Overview to the Tectonics of Cuba

Abstract

Two main structural levels or stages can be distinguished in the geological architecture of Cuba. The lower stage is the socle, a great rock complex, mainly formed by Jurassic–Eocene rocks, unconformably resting below the cover. The socle is divided into three major complexes, according to their litho-structural features and rock age: (a) the Proterozoic–Paleozoic basement, (b) the Mesozoic basement, and (c) the Paleogene folded and thrust belt. A small part of the socle is represented by Precambrian (Grenvillian) rocks, only known by tiny outcrops in the northcentral Cuban mainland, whereas the Paleozoic eratem is only known in the sea floor of the Cuban Exclusive Economic Zone of the SE Gulf of Mexico. The Mesozoic basement consists of four rock complexes of very different nature (a) The Mesozoic passive paleomargin of the SE North American plate (NAP). Whereas the NAP contains autochthonous or parauthoctonous massifs, the remaining Mesozoic units are tectono-stratigraphic terranes, separated by tectonic contacts between them and with the NAP. These terranes are (b) the northern ophiolite belt (NOB), (c) the Cretaceous volcanic arcs (KVA), (d) the southern metamorphic terranes (SMT). The Mesozoic basement attains a wide distribution both in outcrops and subsurface. The Paleogene folded and thrust belt contains four regional structures: the foreland basin, the piggyback basins, the Sierra Maestra–Cayman Ridge volcanic arc, and the Middle and the Late Eocene Eastern Intramontane Basin. However, complicated, their mutual relationships are quite much clearer than that prevailing in the Mesozoic basement. The Eocene–Quaternary cover contains little disturbed beds, without magmatic or metamorphic rocks. The nearness of SE Cuba to the Caribbean/North American plate boundary prints its cover with some special features.

Jorge Luis Cobiella Reguera

Chapter 6. Geochemical Fingerprinting of Ancient Oceanic Basalts: Classification of the Cuban Ophiolites

Abstract

Mesozoic ophiolites are an important feature of Cuban geology. Although Cuban ophiolites have been studied over the past 40 years, there is still need for systematic studies regarding their internal structure, geochemical characteristics, and emplacement mechanisms. The ophiolites are distributed along the so-called “Northern” and “Eastern” Cuban ophiolite belts, and are strongly dismembered and intermingled mainly with Cretaceous volcanic arc rocks. Ophiolite-associated basalts along the northern Cuban orogenic belt record magmatic history of the ophiolite formation from the Protocaribbean seafloor spreading to subduction initiation stage. We have compiled geochemical data of 15 oceanic basalt samples from previous works, together with data of an analyzed sample during this study. We discuss geochemical criteria based on immobile element proxies for fractionation indices, alkalinity, mantle flow and subduction addition, and field relationships, providing a comprehensive ophiolite classification according to the tectonic setting at which these ophiolites formed. The lavas exhibit three magmatic types. One type has subduction-related fingerprint with dominance of boninite and IAT affinities, likely related to a forearc setting. The second type has a MOR-type (N-MORB and E-MORB) signature, most of them carrying a subtle influence of subduction component, overlapping a border of the backarc field. Subordinately, a transitional type occurs with MOR-type-OIB fingerprint that is considered most likely plume-type ophiolite. The results show then that the studied lavas correspond mostly to subduction-related ophiolite and some of them have incorporated subduction component probably during the time when the Protocaribbean oceanic lithosphere downgoing beneath the Caribbean plate. Some rare remnants of plume-MORB-type ophiolite have also occurred.

Angelica Isabel Llanes Castro, Harald Furnes

Chapter 7. Stratigraphy of the Quaternary Deposits in Cuba

Abstract

In Cuba, the existence of an important group of geological formations and innominate deposits of Quaternary age is recognized. They encompass both carbonate and terrigenous sequences and currently twenty-one of these lithostratigraphic units are recognized, as well as five innominate deposits. Applying relative dating methods it has been possible to compile a stratigraphic subdivision scheme for these deposits that locates them specifically in each of the classic subdivisions that are established for the Pleistocene: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Six of the recognized units transited the Neogene/Quaternary limit, that is, they began to settle in the Upper Pliocene and concluded their deposition in the Lower Pleistocene. In the case of other units, it has been possible to better define their correspondence with the Middle Pleistocene, or with the Upper. Specifically with the Classical Upper Pleistocene corresponds one of the most extended formations of Cuba: the Jaimanitas Formation; and with the upper part of the Upper Pleistocene, in this case the Oxygen Isotopic Stage (OIS) 3, there are currently several units of local character, but very important for their paleoclimatic peculiarities. In its general conception, most formations correspond to marine transgressions that are closely related to the great sea level glacio-eustatic transgressions that occurred during the Pleistocene in a number not less than seven, according to the majority of the world's researchers. On the other hand, all the units that are recognized in the scheme reflect, in one way or another, a greater or lesser effect due to the chemical weathering processes that occurred in the tropical region where Cuba is located. In this sense, the most affected geological formations are located in the lower part of the Pleistocene of Western and Central Cuba and in the premontane border of the Sierra Maestra in Eastern Cuba. There, the terrigenous sequences are characterized by presenting profiles of kaolinite weathering, with a variegated coloration of the deposits, while the younger units do not have this type of profile and their colors vary to lighter shades. A type of innominate deposit of Quaternary age and four others of Holocene age are recognized, which due to their wide distribution are also described. Satellite images of the regions of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Zapata Peninsula, the south of the Isla de la Juventud, and the Cauto River Plain are presented, which are some of the places where the formations and deposits of the Quaternary in Cuba are best exposed.

Leandro L. Peñalver Hernández, Miguel Cabrera Castellanos, Roberto Denis Valle

Chapter 8. Mineral Systems of Cuba: A Panoramic Vision of Cuban Metallogeny

Abstract

As a result of the preparation of the Metallogenic Map at scale 1:250,000 of the Republic of Cuba, forty-one models and eight sub-models of metallic mineral deposits were identified. These models, of descriptive—genetic type, together with the analysis of their spatial distribution and their relationship with the geology, allowed the identification and mapping of ten mineral systems, linked to the geodynamic environments present in the Cuban territory. The present work aims to provide the reader with an up-to-date image of Cuba’s metallogeny, with the incorporation of new results obtained recently, which is presented through the description of each of the ten mineral systems identified. Special attention is given to the mafic-siliciclastic VMS-SEDEX-MVT mineral systems of the J-K₁ distensive basin, which covers the Guaniguanico and the Cangre structural-tectonic units, Pinos and Guamuhaya terranes, and the supergene environment, this represented in a large part of the Cuban territory. The first, hosts an important pyritic and polymetallic sulfide mineralization of Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, Au, and Ag, while the second contains the known Cuban lateritic deposits of Fe–Ni–Co, which also contain Au, PGE, Sc, and others metals. The text addresses some deposits that deserve attention due to their singularities, such as Matahambre, Lela, and El Cobre. The scattered and little abundant data on fluid inclusions and isotope geochemistry in metallic mineral deposits of Cuba have also been collected here. Finally, some general inferences about Cuba's metallogeny are presented and several aspects that require new works are pointed out.

Jorge Luis Torres Zafra, Xiomara Cazañas Díaz

Chapter 9. The Minerageny of Cuba

Abstract

The complex and prolific geological scenario of Cuba has led to geological-genetic conditions favorable for the formation of varied deposits, manifestations, and mineralized points of various industrial raw materials, decorative and for multiple practical uses, known worldwide as industrial rocks and minerals, or simply as industrial minerals. Thus, Cuba has large deposits of limestone, loam, dolomite, kaolin, gypsum and anhydrite, rock salt, marbles, sands and clays of different types, zeolites, peat, therapeutic peloids, and many more. There are manifestations of decorative and precious rocks such as jasper, jadeite, different varieties of quartz, and even xylopals. The degree of study of the different varieties of these rocks and industrial minerals is still low in the face of their great diversity and possible uses in different industrial branches of industry, medicine, and in the field of research. Its origin can be summarized in seven genetic groups: magmatic, sedimentary, pyroclastic-sedimentary, metamorphic, skarn, hydrothermal, and supergenic (residual). The different genetic groups are not governed, in general, by the same or similar geotectonic situations. They appear in different geotechnical areas and geological contexts, such as limestone rocks, granitoids, and zeolites. There are also tendencies, in some genetic types, to be located in specific environments such as peat, in the biogenic zones of the Miocene–Quaternary sedimentary cover and, the kaolin, in the Mesozoic accreted terrane.

Waldo Lavaut Copa, Rolando Batista González

Titel: Geology of Cuba
herausgegeben von: Prof. Dr. Manuel Enrique Pardo Echarte
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-030-67798-5
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-67797-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67798-5