Ortega Ariza, Diana L.

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Establishing a high resolution sequence stratigraphy & sea-level curve for tertiary limestones, Puerto Rico
(2009-04) Ortega Ariza, Diana L.; Santos Mercado, Hernán; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Ramírez, Wilson; Cavosie, Aaron; Department of Geology; Schmidt, Wilford
A high-resolution sequence stratigraphy model for the middle Tertiary limestone formations on the north coast of Puerto Rico is presented, based on stratigraphy and recognition of exposure surfaces, using both cores and outcrops. Data obtained in this study, in addition to previous work, have been compiled to produce a more-detailed description, including microfacies analysis. Five depositional sequences and four major sequence boundaries are proposed for Oligocene to Pliocene time. These are: 1) The San Sebastian Formation-Lares Limestone; 2) The Montebello Member; 3) The Cibao Formation-Aguada (Los Puertos) Limestone; 4) The Aymamón Limestone; and 5) The Quebradillas Limestone. These are most probably related to the second-order supercycles TB1, TB2 and TB3 in terms of eustatic sea level changes (Haq et al., 1987). The cores and outcrops studied in this research show a change from well developed-complete depositional cycles to partial cycles and exposure surfaces, representing the change from green-house to ice-house systems.