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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 15 (1965), Pages 41-44

The Origin of the Gulf of Mexico

William F. Tanner

ABSTRACT

The Gulf of Mexico dates from approximately the Paleozoic-Mesozoic time boundary. From structural considerations, the hypothesis is developed that the present Gulf is the result of a slowly-widening rift, or tension gap, between North America (east of the Rocky Mountains) and Central America and the Caribbean block. Such an hypothesis, if correct, offers possible explanations for several puzzling questions: How should the Southern Appalachians be extended southward from central Alabama? What were the geologic and climatic conditions during the deposition of Mesozoic evaporites in the Gulf region? How is it that the major delta-complex of North America is located in the vicinity of the Texas-Louisiana border? What structural deformation is taking place in the area today?

A general program of investigation, designed to test or at least explore the hypothesis, is outlined.


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