International: Characterization of High Pressure/Ultra-High Pressure Alpine-Type Garnet Peridotite in Northern Dominican Republic

Florida International University, Miami FL

Investigators

Abstract

Abbott 0139490 This Americas Program proposal requests support for Dr. Richard N. Abbott, Appalachian State University to conduct research of an unusual metamorphic rock called Alpine-type spinel-garnet peridotite, recently discovered in the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic. Dr. Abbott will be collaborating with Dr. Draper Greenville of Florida International University, Miami, Florida, Engineers P.V. Chavez, and V. Silva, Direccion de Mineria (bureau of mines/geological survey),Santo Domingo, and Dr. Ivan Tavares, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo. The principal objectives of the research are to determine and map the relationship between these rocks and others in the same unit, find their source, and analyze samples in the laboratory Understanding these unusual rocks will help to refine the current model of the origin of the islands of the Greater Antilles in the broader context of the origin of the Caribbean basin. Identifying the geological sources of these peridotite boulders will provide fundamental knowledge on the tectonic processes that have occurred in this part of the Caribbean. The resulting geologic maps from this research will be useful for the development and management of natural resources.