On the origin of S-shaped planetary morphostructures (the Caribbean arc)

Abstract

The paper discusses special features of geology and geomorphology of one of largest arcuate morphostructures of the Earth. A general position of the Caribbean arc is shown within the whole Pacific-Eurasian belt of compression, types of morphostructures are indicated together with differences in different sectors of the arc, their development was of pulsatory-wavy character since the Mesozoic, the morphostructure acquired its modem appearance in the early Cenozoic. The compression was most pronounced in the northern part of the Caribbean Arc. Reasons are discussed for the arc growth towards east, south and south-west.