Peat Deposits of Central America and the Caribbean Region

Abstract

Peat deposits are found extensively throughout Central America and the Caribbean region, with large deposits occurring in Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Panama, and smaller ones in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. It is likely that many others will be discovered as more exploration takes place. This exploration could be greatly aided by an understanding of the geologic and ecologic conditions under which these deposits are formed. This paper describes come of these conditions.

All of the deposits investigated to date can be grouped into three geomorphic types: (1) back-barrier (shoreline-related), (2) river flood plain, or (3) high altitude (mountain-top). Some examples of these types are the Changuinola deposit of Panama (back-barrier type), the Rio Medio Queso deposit of Costa Rica (flood plain), and the Talamanca Mountain blanket deposits of Costa Rica (mountain-top).

Some factors that control the locations of these deposits include subpeat and surrounding sediment or rock type, hydrologic conditions, and tectonic activity (such as faulting). The composition of the peats formed in these settings is controlled not only by the above factors but also by water chemistry and nearness to sources of detrital minerals (such as volcanos, rivers, open ocean).

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