Tectono-stratigraphic development of the Coastal Group of south-eastern Jamaica

•We propose a model for the tectono-stratigraphic evolution, south-eastern Jamaica.•We have introduced a revised stratigraphy for the area of south-eastern Jamaica and made connections with relevant works.•New information allows elucidation of the evolution of Jamaica over the last 14 Ma.•An additional framework for understanding how the tectonic history of Jamaica ties into evolution of the Caribbean Plate.

The sedimentary succession of southeastern Jamaica preserves a depositional record of accommodation changes and tectonic events for the last 14 Ma. The depositional systems which occur in the area have been classified according to distinct tectono-stratigraphic packages based on the depositional environments, rapid facies changes, and or significant erosion surfaces. This paper places the sedimentology and geochemistry within a tectonic evolutionary framework for the northern margin of the Caribbean Plate over the last 14 Ma. This involves considering issues of changing accommodation; deformation episodes including folding and faulting and the subsequent cutting of unconformities. A model for the tectono-stratigraphic development of southeastern Jamaica is also proposed. The model incorporates critical surfaces, major faults, subsidence and uplift which later influence the depositional environments.