Current Field Forum:
The Geology of Cuba: Key for the Tectonic Evolution of the Caribbean–North American Plates

Cuba | 12–18 April 2025

Description and Objectives

Cuba, the largest island in the Greater Antilles (Fig. 1), is key to understanding the interactions between the North American, South American, and Caribbean plates during the Jurassic-Paleogene period (180–45 Myr), as well as the origin of the Caribbean plate. The island contains Mesozoic-Cenozoic fragments of both the Caribbean plate (arc volcanics and intrusives, ophiolites, and mélanges with high-pressure metamorphic blocks) and the North American plate (subducted passive margin and non-subducted units of the Bahamas Platform and Maya/Yucatan margin). This makes Cuba an exceptional example of arc-continental margin “soft collision.” The island is also ideal for studying subduction initiation, mature subduction, arc development, and how arcs and terrane accretion contribute to continental crust growth.

Despite its geographical proximity to the United States, Cuba has remained understudied by U.S. geoscientists for over half a century due to political barriers. This Thompson Field Forum aims to renew scientific exchange by bringing together experts to discuss recent findings by Cuban and international researchers. It will serve as a platform to revitalize collaboration among Cuban, U.S., and international geoscientists, highlighting exciting research opportunities in Cuba and the broader Caribbean region.

We will visit key localities in western and central Cuba to study the following:

• North American/Yucatan continental passive margin and basin sections
• Ophiolite complexes and serpentinite mélanges
• Cretaceous Arc and Meta-Arc Complexes
• The metamorphic Caribeana terrane (Escambray Massif)

Agenda

The seven-day Thompson Field Forum will begin in Havana, Cuba, and then travel to Pinar del Rio in western Cuba. For the first two days, the group will visit localities around Viñales (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The group will then move to central Cuba for a traverse across the Cuban orogenic belt, spending three nights in Santa Clara and one in Trinidad (another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Caribbean).

April is typically dry, with temperatures ranging from 26-32°C. No special fitness is required, and outcrops will be easily accessible from the road.

Day 1 (April 12)

Arrival in Viñales by 11 a.m. Overview of the Viñales valley and introduction to the geology of western Cuba. Visits include Late Jurassic (Oxfordian)-Early Cretaceous exposures transitioning from shallow marine to basinal carbonate and chert facies (Jagua-Guasasa Fms.), and deformed Jurassic siliciclastic deposits.

Day 2 (April 13)

Examination of the K-Pg boundary and transition from continental margin into foreland sedimentation, Mid Jurassic and Cretaceous basinal protocaribbean deposits, and ophiolites.

Day 3 (April 14)

Travel from Pinar del Rio to Santa Clara. Visit outcrops of passive margin sedimentary rocks of the Placetas belt, Santa Clara mélange, and ophiolites.

Day 4 (April 15)

Exploration of ophiolitic mélanges in Santa Clara.

Day 5 (April 16)

Study of Cretaceous Volcanic Arc, volcano-sedimentary packages, and the Upper Cretaceous Manicaragua batholith.

Day 6 (April 17)

Visits to amphibolite and granitic rocks of the Mabujina complex and the Escambray metamorphic massif. Overnight in Trinidad.

Day 7 (April 18)

Return to Havana after breakfast.

Logistics and Attendees

The registration fee of US$300 covers six nights’ lodging based on double occupancy in hotels or private houses. Due to the embargo, U.S. attendees must stay in private houses. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, transportation, and field trip handouts are included. Single-occupancy rooms are available for an additional fee (US$62 for hotels; US$160 for private houses). The fee is paid once for the entire field forum.

All foreigners entering Cuba must have a visa and health insurance. U.S. geoscientists should check federal travel regulations. Participants should bring sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, mosquito repellent, and medication for mild tropical illnesses. Detailed health-related travel information can be found at the CDC website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cuba). Drinking water will be provided throughout the trip. Dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, gluten-free) should be specified in advance. Cuban Creole cuisine includes rice, beans, pork, chicken, fish, and seasonal vegetables.

Some financial support is available for students, early career scientists, and those with financial need. Attendees are expected to honor the GSA Code of Conduct.

Applications and Registration

Application deadline: 15 Dec. 2024

Registration deadline: 15 Feb. 2025

Participants must commit to the full seven-day/six-night field conference. Group size is limited to 40 participants. To apply, please complete the GSA Thompson Field Forum 2025 Application.

For questions, contact TFF2025Cuba@geosociety.org.

Join the Cuban Convention of Earth Sciences

6–11 April 2025

We encourage you to arrive early to participate in the Cuban Convention of Earth Sciences (6–11 April). This biannual geological congress, hosted by the Cuban Geological Society, offers a special complementary session on the Geology of Cuba: Key for the Tectonic Evolution of the Caribbean–North American Plates. It’s an excellent opportunity to present research, network, and discuss key topics before the Field Forum begins.

Independent registration required (US$400). For more information, visit http://www.cubacienciasdelatierra.com/ or contact Davima León Sanchidrián (individuales@sprachcaffe.com; +53 -7 2045433).