Permian-Triassic continental configurations and the origin of the Gulf of Mexico

摘要: Previously published reconstructions of Pangea during late Paleozoic-early Mesozoic time have suggested that (1) the Gulf Mexico has existed as an oceanic basin from at least Carboniferous onward or (2) was created since Permian by a process microplate reorganization, macroplate drift, oceanization (sensu stricto). On basis paleomagnetic data, we favor drift. Major geologic and tectonic features segments bordering are in agreement with newly proposed alternative fit North America, Europe, Gondwanaland for Paleozoic time. This reconstruction closes juxtaposition South America.