The present study is a continuation of the investigation on the tectonic history of the Gulf of Mexico. Four tasks will be undertaken: 1) reprocessing of five seismic profiles collected between 1977 and 1980; 2) analysis of these data using a GEOQUEST workstation; 3) preparation of a regional synthesis of the SE Gulf, including two-week field excursion on Cuba; 4) preparation of an ODP drilling proposal that targets Jurassic rocks in the deep SE Gulf. The specific object of this study and the ensuing drilling program is to improve the understanding of the breakup and early paleogeography of the SE Gulf region. A more general goal is to study the processes of continental rifting and creation of transitional crust along a transform plate boundary.
