Studia Geologica Polonica  vol. 105 (Abstracts)

Tithonian stratigraphy and microfacies in the Sierra del Rosario, Western Cuba

Ryszard MYCZYŃSKI & Andrzej PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

Abstract
The Parakeratinites sp. horizon and three ammonite zones - Pseudolissoceras spp., Lytohoplites carribeanus and Himalayites (Micracanthoceras) - Corongoceras are distinguished in the Tithinian sections of Sierra del Rosario, Western Cuba. These ammonite zones correlate with three microfossil zones: Saccocoma, Chitinoidella and Crassicolaria. The Saccocoma-Didemnidae microfacies is common in the Lower Tithonian deposits of Sierra del Rosario. During the Late Tithonian, radiolarian microfacies developed in all stratigraphic sequences of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico. The succession of microfacies indicate deepening of the norhern (Cuban) part of the Proto-Carribean basin from the lowermost Tithonian through the Berriasian. Endemic and Indo-Pacific taxa became the dominant components of the Late Tithonian ammonite fauna. Evidently, the connection of the Proto-Carribean basin with the Pacific Ocean improved during this time.

Studia Geologica Polonica, 105: 39-66.

Lithostratigraphy of Mesozoic and Palaeogene rocks of Sierra del Rosario, Western Cuba

Andrzej PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

Abstract
New data on lithostratigraphy of the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Palaeogene rocks of Sierra del Rosario (Western Cuba) is presented. The Jurassic El Sabalo Formation is formally described. The former Buenavista Formation is upgraded to group rank with four formations of Cretaceous age: Santa Teresa, Carmita, Pinalilla and Moreno. The Palaeogene deposits are represented by the Ancón and Manacas formations, previously known in the Sierra de los Organos only.

Studia Geologica Polonica, 105: 67-90.

Geological cross-sections through the Sierra del Rosario thrust belt, Western Cuba

Andrzej PSZCZÓŁKOWSKI

Abstract
Geological sections across the Sierra del Rosario thrust belt, Wesyern Cuba, between Sierra de San Vicente and Soroa, are presented. Tectonic contact between the northern and southern structural units is well exposed to the east of Sierra de Cajalbana. To the west and southwest of Sierra de Cajalbana, this contact had been modified by the younger Loma del gato overthrust. A pile of thrust nappes of Sierra del Rosario had formed during the Early Eocene as a result of the overthrust of the ophiolitic complex and associated Cretaceous volcanic arc from south to north.

Studia Geologica Polonica, 105: 91-108.

Carribean ammonite assemblages from Upper Jurassic- Lower Cretaceous sequences of Cuba

Ryszard MYCZYŃSKI

Abstract
Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ammonite assemblages of Western and Central Cuba belong to the paleobiogeographical Carribean Province. This province existed during the Late Jurassic (since Middle Oxfordian) and the earliest Cretaceous (to the Hauterivian). The ammonites of the Carribean Province occur in the Upper Jurassic and lowermost Cretaceous sequences of Cuba, northeastern and central Mexico and in the southern United States. Strong biogeographical links  between Cuba, Colombia and the Mediterranean Province were established during the Barremian.