Andean Tectonics

Andean Tectonics addresses the geologic evolution of the Andes Mountains, the prime global example of subduction-related mountain building. The Andes Mountains form one of the most extensive orogenic belts on Earth, spanning approximately an 8,000-km distance along the western edge of South America, from ~10°N to ~55°S. The tectonic history of the Andes involves a rich record of diverse geological processes, including crustal deformation, magmatism, sedimentary basin evolution, and climatic interactions. This book addresses the range of Andean tectonic processes and their temporal and spatial variations. An improved understanding of these processes is fundamental not only to the Andes but also to other major orogenic systems associated with subduction of the oceanic lithosphere. Andean Tectonics is a critical resource for researchers interested in the causes and consequences of Andean-type orogenesis and the long-term evolution of fold-thrust belts, magmatic arcs, and forearc and foreland basins. Evaluates the history of Andean mountain building over the past 300 million years Integrates recent studies and new perspectives on the complementary records of deformation, magmatism, and sedimentary basin evolution and their interactions in time and space Provides insight into the development of the northern, central, and southern Andes, which have typically been considered in isolation

together with contributions by invited geoscientists The Central Andes, whose orogenic activity is so impressively documented by recent volcanism and and counterparts from other countries, during a workshop held in Berlin, 23-25 May 1990. A great earthquakes, have always attracted the attention of geoscientists. This interest became even more accen number of the papers presented at this workshop are tuated since, a quarter of a century ago, Plate included in this volume. While most of the chapters Tectonics became the basis for the New Global refer regionally to the segment of the southern Andes Tectonics concept, in which this huge mountain range mentioned above, others treat general aspects or deal was the most spectacular example of an active conti with Andean regions farther south, thus showing not only that the structures of this mountain range can be nental margin. Thus, in addition to the continuing research work by South American and foreign geo followed to more distant parts but also that there are scientists dedicated mostly to regional and economic significant structural variations along strike. problems, a great number of special research pro Like other books which originate from workshops grammes were initiated aiming at a better understand and are comprised of contributions from many ing of the processes acting at a convergent plate authors, also this one cannot give a complete and margin. well-balanced view of the scientific subject dealt In 1982, the earth science institutes of the Freie with, in this case the southern Central Andes.

Andean Structural Styles: A Seismic Atlas is a comprehensive reference illustrating the variability in structural styles and hydrocarbon traps that exist in the Andean chain. The Andean chain, stretching over more than 5,000 km (3,000 mi) from Venezuela to Argentina, contains a large number of sedimentary basins which have developed in a wide range of tectonic settings. Some of these basins are highly mature, with hydrocarbon production from Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic sedimentary sequences, while others are still underexplored. Andean Structural Styles: A Seismic Atlas covers topics including fold types, thrust faults, triangle zones, inversion structures, synorogenic deposits, and growth stratal geometries. These topics are illustrated by thirty-two seismic examples interpreted and uninterpreted, covering most of the Andean basins, and five chapters reviewing the structural styles of the Andes, the complexity of processing seismic in these settings, how analogue models help in the interpretation, and several outcrop analogues. This reference is invaluable to both hydrocarbon exploration of the Andes and researchers and students in the fields of exploration geology and structural geology. Also, those teaching structural geology and seismic interpretation will find a valuable resource with lots of uninterpreted seismic examples that can be used in their lectures. Includes a vast collection of high-quality, color images Features case studies covering the entirety of the Andes Mountain chain Presents high-quality seismic data that was previously only available to oil companies

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the geological evolution of the Northern Andes and contiguous shield areas, with a focus upon Colombia. Updated geological interpretations are supported by modern lithogeochemical, seismic, gravity and magnetic data and radiogenic isotope and radiometric age determinations. The composite data permits a detailed interpretation of the tectono-magmatic history of the Northern Andean Block, including the Andes of Colombia, northern Ecuador, western Venezuela and eastern Panamá. Tectonic reconstructions based upon characterization of more than thirty litho-tectonic and morpho-structural units, terrane assemblages and tectonic realms, and their bounding suture and fault systems, highlight the intimate and complementary Mesozoic-Cenozoic history of the Northern Andean Block and the Pacific and Caribbean Plates. The complex nature of Northern Andean assembly contrasts with ‘‘classical’’ Central Andean ‘‘Cordilleran-type’’ orogenic models. Differences render the application of typical Cordilleran-type models inappropriate for the Colombian Andes. The importance of underlying Proterozoic through mid-Mesozoic elements, in the development of Meso-Cenozoic Northern Andean orogeny-phase tectonic configurations is analyzed in the light of spatial-temporal studies and reconstructions related to basin formation, sedimentation, deformation, uplift mechanisms, structural style and magmatic evolution. The pre-Andean architecture of north western South America has played a pre-determinative role in the development of the Northern Andean orogenic system. 16 contributions analyze key stratigraphic, structural, metamorphic, magmatic and tectonic questions, and provide solutions as far as the most recent published field-based studies permit. The volume provides geological interpretations and tectonic models which contrast with repetitive theoretical proposals frequently found in the available literature.

"The objective of this volume is to examine the Cenozoic tectonic and magmatic evolution from the arc to the retroarc of a distinctive end-member of the Andean accretionary orogen between 35*S and 39*S. The evolution of the Andes in this region provides an outstanding case study of an orogen where periods of contraction and extension, crustal shortening and normal faulting, and differences in retroarc volcanism reflect a tectonic regime that alternates in space and time. Structural, magmatic, and paleogeographic patterns correlate strongly with the dynamics of the subduction zone. The region includes the Neuquen basin which is one of the most prolific of the Central Andes. The tectonic setting is important in understanding hydrocarbon systems of the sub-Andean basin and the potential for ore deposits in the cordillera. The book is fundamental for researchers working on tectonics and magmatism in Andean type systems as well as those involved in exploration."--Publisher's website.