Geology of the Cayman Islands: Evolution of Complex Carbonate Successions on Isolated Oceanic Islands

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac are the summits of independent fault blocks that have risen from the Caribbean Sea over the last 30 to 35 million years. This book traces the geological evolution of these islands over this period, based on an extensive data base assembled over 40 years of field work and laboratory analyses. The database includes approximately 60 visits to the islands, sampling and documentation of virtually every accessible outcrop, data from 120 wells, mapping and sampling of modern sediments, thin section petrography, scanning electron microscope, and electron microprobe analyses, and detailed analyses of phosphates and terra rossa collected from each of the islands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac are remarkable geological formations that emerge from the depths of the Caribbean Sea. This captivating book delves into the intricate geological history of these islands, spanning a period of approximately 30 to 35 million years. The interplay between fluctuating sea levels and the vertical tectonic movement of these fault blocks has shaped the geological evolution of these islands.

Today, the demand for drinking water to sustain the growing populations of these islands is met by desalinization plants strategically located based on a comprehensive understanding of the bedrock. This extensive data base, meticulously compiled over the past 40 years through fieldwork and laboratory analyses, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of researchers.

Among the noteworthy aspects of this database are approximately 60 visits to the islands, during which every accessible outcrop was meticulously sampled and documented. These samples, which encompass a wide range of geological formations, have undergone thorough petrographic and geochemical analysis. Additionally, data from 120 wells, drilled to depths ranging from 65 to 245 meters, have been collected. These wells have been cored and chip sampled, providing valuable insights into the composition and structure of the bedrock. Extensive geochemical analyses, including stable isotopes, 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and Rare Earth Elements, have been conducted on numerous samples, shedding light on the geological processes that have shaped these islands.

Furthermore, detailed mapping and sampling of modern sediments, including sediment cores, have been carried out in various lagoons surrounding Grand Cayman. Thin section petrography, scanning electron microscope, and electron microprobe analyses have been employed to study the dolostones and limestones that constitute the bedrock of the islands. Additionally, samples and data from numerous caves on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac have been collected and analyzed, contributing to our understanding of the geological heritage of these remarkable islands.

This book serves as a valuable resource for geologists, researchers, and anyone interested in the geological wonders of the Caribbean. It provides a comprehensive account of the geological evolution, depositional processes, and the intricate interplay between sea levels, tectonic movement, and the formation of these remarkable islands.

Weight: 1080g
Dimension: 213 x 286 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031082290
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022