Structure of the northen margin of the Grande river, Bardas Blancas, Mendoza province.

Abstract

The Bardas Blancas structure constitutes a topographic height characterized by an important basement anticline. The Choiyoi Group crops out in the middle of the structure and Jurassic sedimentary deposits at both limbs. This structure is the orogenic front at these latitudes and it is characterized by blind thrusts, folding and the development of a triangular zone. The Bardas Blancas structure was studied using surface and sub-surface data and a balanced cross section was constructed using the trishear model. The main structures are explained using low angle thrust faults verging to the east and detached within the basement. The movement of huge basement blocks to the east transfers shortening to the sedimentary cover developing the triangular zone of Doña Juana in the front of the structure. Inside the triangular zone a passive roof duplex system is developed controlled by two weak detachment units. The shortening is finally transmitted by a backthrust to the surface. The backthrust and the Rayoso and Neuquén Groups are overturned by the action of an east verging thrust reactivated from the main basement structure. To the east of the backthrust, the Cretaceous and Tertiary deposits are structurally disconnected from de Mendoza Group.