Petrology and mineralogy of ophiolites in pull-apart structures of the Cayman Trough

Abstract

New geological, mineralogical, and geochemical data on rocks dredged in the local spreading zone of the Cayman Trough (Caribbean Sea) make it possible to use this ophiolite complex as a reference one for pull-apart structures. The ophiolites form fault-bounded narrow elongated zones. Separate magmatic complexes within these zones can be of different ages, which decrease along the strike from the flanks to the central parts. The base of the ophiolite complex is mostly composed of lherzolites, while the gabbroid complex demonstrates clear magmatic layering formed through crystallization differentiation. At the same time, the crystalline and igneous rocks define a single geochemical series, which is characterized by the accumulation of lithophile and light rare-earth elements in more differentiated varieties. The REE distribution patterns are strongly correlated with the mineral composition of the rocks. The geochemical characteristics of the ophiolites indicate their affiliation to the plume type.