Summary for Field Activity Number 71002

Alternate Leg ID: leg 2

Area of Operations: East margin Yucatan Peninula, Gulf of Mexico, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: June 19, 1971 to July 14, 1971

Chief scientist:
   J.G. Vedder,

Objectives: The lack of offshore data in the area of leg 2 of the USGS-IDOE cruise necessitated the assembly of detailed geophysical and geologic information in order to evaluate the resource potential and to resolve the tectonic framework of the continental margin. The first phase(1971) was primarily a geophysical reconnaissance designed to provide information that will help decipher the structural evolution of the continental margin east of the Yucatan Peninsula. A few dredge sites were selected as a possible means of determining the age and lithology of the rocks that form major surveyed features. The primary scientific objectives of Leg 2:(1) to investigate the evolution of the continental margin east of the Yucatan Peninsula and its relation to concepts of continental margin development;(2)to explore the possibility of structural and stratigraphic links between western Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula;(3)to study the western terminus of the Cayman Ridge and trench system and determine its influence on the stucture of British Honduras and Guatemala;(4) to examine the Yucatan Basin in order to interpret the origin of this distinct sea floor feature in the northeastern Caribbean;(5) to learn more about the nature of interaction between the North American and Caribbean plates in this area.

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Contact: J.G Vedder ()