Geology of Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico
Journal of Cave and Karst Studies
By: E.F. Frank, Carol M. Wicks, J. Mylroie, J. Troester, E.C. Alexander Jr., and J.L. Carew
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Isla de Mona is a carbonate island located in the Mona Passage 68 km west of Puerto Rico. The tectonically uplifted island is 12 km by 5 km, with an area of 55 km2, and forms a raised flat-topped platform or meseta. The meseta tilts gently to the south and is bounded by near vertical cliffs on all sides. These cliffs rise from 80 m above sea level on the north to 20 m above the sea on the southern coast. Along the southwestern and western side of the island a three- to six-meter-high Pleistocene fossil reef abuts the base of the cliff to form a narrow coastal plain. The meseta itself consists of two Mio-Pliocene carbonate units, the lower Isla de Mona Dolomite and the upper Lirio Limestone. Numerous karst features, including a series of flank margin caves primarily developed at the Lirio Limestone/Isla de Mona Dolomite contact, literally ring the periphery of the island.
Suggested Citation
Frank, E., Wicks, C.M., Mylroie, J., Troester, J., Alexander, E., Carew, J., 1998, Geology of Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico: Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, v. 60, no. 2, p. 69-72.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Geology of Isla de Mona, Puerto Rico |
| Series title | Journal of Cave and Karst Studies |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Speleological Society |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 69 |
| Last page | 72 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Puerto Rick |
| Other Geospatial | Isla de Mona |