On-going research includes quantification of defined recognition criteria and comparison to Pleistocene analogs on Andros. Subenvironments described from Joulters Cays have been recognized across the northern portion of Andros Island using surface samples and cores. Current research focuses on new subsurface data and small scale differentiation of the surface environments. This set of criteria is being applied to Mississippian aged oolitic limestones of the Appalachian Basin and Pleistocene oolitic limestones of Andros Island. In the Pleistocene, present day Andros Island was an ooid shoal complex similar in a surprising number of ways to the modern Joulters ooid shoal.
Research focuses on application of diagnostic criteria to define similar environments.
Andros rocks have experienced approximately 100,000 years of diagenetic alteration during which they have been exposed to vadose, phreatic and mixing zone conditions. Mineralogical, geochemical, and hydrogeological description of the current diagenetic environment in conjunction with evidence of past diagenesis allows a complete picture of the diagenetic history of the Andros Island ooid shoal to be described.