Cenozoic deformation of the Aconcagua fold and thrust belt and Cordillera Frontal: between 33º30´ to 33º45´ S

Abstract

This paper presents new insights into the tectonic evolution of the Andes Mountains at 33º30´ to 33º45´ South Latitude. This has been achieved studying the structure of the Aconcagua fold and thrust belt and the evolution of the Alto Tunuyán foreland basin. Thrusting and uplift of the fold and thrust belt began during the Early-Middle Miocene by the inversion of ancient rift structures. Deformation migrated progressively eastward, during middle Miocene times, involving the Mesozoic sequences. This generated a low angle eastward-tapering wedge that was subjected to periods of frontal deformation and internal deformation in order to restore its critical angle. The unconformity separating the synorogenic units, the change in paleocurrent directions from west-east to noreast-southwest, and the presence of locally derived conglomerates in the synorogenic deposits, provide evidence for the beginning of the uplift of the Cordillera Frontal at 9 Ma, which continued until 6 Ma. After this uplift, the fold and thrust belt and the foreland basin continued deformating. The Lower Pliocene - Pleistocene volcanic rocks unconformably cover the deformed belt. Therefore, the main deformation event must have occurred before Lower Pliocene.