Barrier islands of the Los Canarreos Archipelago (Cuba). The Late Quaternary history and tectonics

Abstract

On the basis of data obtained by field geological and geomorphological studies in the Los Canarreos Archipelago the authors discuss some special features and time of formation of banier islands - specific sculptural-depositional wave-built landforms on shelf. Certain differences in the barriers elevation and composition of material permitted to distinguish between relict and present day landforms of hydrogenic and biogenic origin. Neotectonic movements of individual blocks near the shelf's edge have made an impact both on the barrier islands morphology and the recent dynamics of their coasts.