Chronology and geochemistry of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province in Jamaica

Jamaica has a complex geological history with rocks belonging to the Cretaceous Caribbean Large Igneous Province (CLIP) in east and oceanic island arc centre west. We present new geochemical dataset for CLIP correlate this previous datasets using radiolarians planktic foraminifers timescale. The palaeontological dating indicates that two phases of plateau activity – ‘main’ phase late Turonian-mid Coniacian (c. 92-87 Ma) an ‘extended’ mid Campanian 88-75 Ma). These are also seen Beata Ridge on Lower Nicaragua Rise. geochemistry both typical large igneous province basalts. slightly more depleted light rare earth elements than extended phase, indicating mantle source heterogeneity, (Sm/Yb)n >1 deeper average depth melting phase. association basalts sediments containing specific microfossil assemblages clearly demonstrates existence these magmatic Jamaica.