The Central American Peninsula and Its Geological History
Author Information
Author(s): Kirby Michael Xavier, Jones Douglas S., MacFadden Bruce J.
Primary Institution: Center for Tropical Paleoecology and Archaeology, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Hypothesis
How long did the Central American Peninsula exist before being submerged?
Conclusion
The study concludes that the Central American Peninsula likely existed for much of the Miocene, contrary to previous beliefs that it was short-lived.
Supporting Evidence
- Strontium dating shows that the La Boca Formation is older than both the Culebra and Cucaracha formations.
- Land mammals found in the Miocene Cucaracha Formation indicate a terrestrial connection with North America.
- The study provides new insights into the geological history of the Central American Peninsula.
Takeaway
Scientists studied rocks and fossils to learn about a land connection between North and Central America. They found that this land existed for a long time, not just a little while.
Methodology
The study involved lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and strontium chemostratigraphic analyses of rock formations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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