Skip to Main Content
Skip Nav Destination

In Central America and the Antilles are two of the major tectonic belts of the western hemisphere—the Antillean system, extending from Cuba through the islands of the eastern Caribbean to Venezuela, and the Central American system, following the Pacific Coast from northern Guatemala to Panama. Despite superficial differences, the two regions have much in common. Both have all the principal elements of island-arc systems: laterally migrating chains of andesitic volcanoes with parallel trenches; zones of seismic activity; gravity anomalies; and broad, low back- lands. These two tectonic belts are adjacent, together encompassing a region of about 3 million sq km.

Geologists working in one or the other of the two systems have tended to treat each as a separate entity divorced from the influence of the other. When the interpretations of the two regions are juxtaposed, inexplicable geologic anomalies result. The task of integrating Caribbean and Central American geology will be insurmountable until detailed studies are completed in those areas which are important in the interpretation of both systems. No region is better suited for such a study than the northwestern Caribbean and adjacent parts of Guatemala and northern Honduras where the Bartlett Trough impinges upon the mainland.

You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.
Close Modal

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal