Geodynamic Processes In The Andes Of Central Chile And Argentina

This Special Publication arises from the UNESCO-sponsored IGCP 586-Y project `The tectonics and geomorphology of the Andes (32°–34°S): interplay between short-term and long-term processes’. It includes state-of-the-art reviews and original articles from a multidisciplinary perspective that investigate the complex interactions of tectonics and surface processes in the subduction-related orogen of the Andes of central Chile and Argentina (c. 27° –39°S). It aims to improve our understanding of tectonic and landscape evolution of the Andean range at different time scales, as well as the mutual relationship between internal and external mechanisms in Cenozoic deformation, mountain building, topographic evolution, basin development and mega-landslides occurrence across the flat slab to normal subduction segments. The geodynamic processes of the Andes of central Chile and Argentina are analysed from a number of subdisciplines of the Earth sciences, including tectonics, petrology, geophysics, geochemistry, structural geology, geomorphology, engineering geology, stratigraphy and sedimentology.

"This memoir brings together results from a multidisciplinary study of the processes that have formed the highest, widest part of the Andean Cordilleran orogenic belt in northern Argentina and Chile. The region features a tectonically erosive forearc, protracted arc magmatism, a high-elevation hinterland plateau and strongly shortened retroarc thrust belt, and a Paleocene-Recent foreland basin system"--

This book focuses on the strong relation between the tectonic evolution of the Southernmost Andes and their closest southern neighbors, the Scotia Sea and Antarctica. Some episodes are related to processes of global significance such as the opening of the Drake Passage, which is somehow linked to Late Cenozoic cooling. Many of the topics covered in the book are subjects of heated debates; as such, not only the latest data and approaches are presented, but different points of view as well. The chapters examine the interrelation between main geodynamic processes and plate tectonics from a multidisciplinary perspective. This Paleozoic-Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Southernmost Andes involved interrelated metamorphic, magmatic, sedimentary, and deformational processes directed by plate tectonics. The main topics cover the evolution of the Rocas Verdes basin and the Cordillera Darwin high-grade metamorphic complex, growth of the Patagonian Batholith, development of the Patagonian Orocline, the opening of the Drake Passage during growth of the Scotia Sea, evolution of the Austral-Magallanes foreland basin and its related fold and thrust belt.

This book describes the Mesozoic to Cenozoic evolution of the Chilean and Argentinean Andes. The book is structured from a historical perspective concentrating on specific processes explained in each chapter. The chapters cover dynamic subsidence; neotectonics; magmatism; long and short term deformation; spatial development of ancient orogenic processes that control Andean reactivations; relation between ocean bathymetry and deformation. Sources of detritus through Andean construction are discussed by specialists from both sides of the Southern Andes. This book provides up-to-date reviews, maps, evolutionary schemes and extensive reference lists useful for geoscientists and students in Earth Science fields.

This book provides a complete study of the Central Andean volcanism and its most distinctive features, from the lower Paleozoic to the Cenozoic times in the framework of its processes, eruptive mechanisms and geodynamic conditions. It helps readers understand the nature of the volcanic geology and the volcaniclastic related deposits linked to the evolution of the Andean continental margin. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the ancient volcanic successions and the difficulties in recognition of the original rock type caused by the effects of deformation, metamorphism and alteration. The authors use distinctive cases to describe how to apply different tools in analysis and interpretation. The selected representative, well exposed and preserved volcanic records of the Southern Central Andes analyzed in this book open new perspectives in the understanding of the volcanic processes linked to active continental margins as the Central Andes. This book will be of special interest to volcanologists and specialists in the earth sciences and appeal to both undergraduate and graduate students in geology.

This book presents recent findings on the structure and evolution of the Southern Andes. Through a detailed description of a series of orogenic segments reviewed by the different groups that have worked with structural and geophysical tools in each area over the last several years, it illustrates the diversity of mechanisms that have impacted strong orogenic gradients and consequently mountain morphology, from the southern Pampean flat subduction zone to the southern tip of the continent (33-56o S). The book also revises our conventional understanding of the source of the different Mesozoic to Cenozoic sections exhumed in the orogenic wedge, with the objective of discussing basin mechanisms through time. A final chapter discusses probable orogenic controls that have acted together in order to explain structure, the different deformational stages and intra-orogenic extensional collapses that affected the fold and thrust belt over time.

This book guides readers through the most iconic, geologically significant scenery in South America, points out features of interest, and describes how these features came to be. Starting in the glacial landscapes of southern Patagonia, this field trip guidebook examines the foothills of the Andes of western Argentina to understand its foreland deformation. Across the Andes, one observes deformation, volcanism, and mineral deposits associated with an onshore volcanic arc and uplift in the Atacama Desert of Chile. A transect across the Andes from Mendoza to Valparaiso follows in the footsteps of Darwin and, as an added bonus, explores the premier wine country around Mendoza, Argentina, and the Colchagua Valley, Chile. Features: • Clearly explains the geology of regions with an emphasis on landscape formation. • Lavishly illustrated with numerous colorful maps, diagrams, and photos of breathtaking landscapes and their geological features. • Describes the major geologic features of South America through the device of a geologic tour, making it an accessible read for those without any geologic training, as well as for professionals. • Written in easy-to-understand language, the author brings his own experience to readers who want to explore and understand geologic sites first-hand. South America’s Natural Wonders is an inviting text that gives individuals with no background in geology the opportunity to understand key geologic aspects of local landscapes. It also serves as a guide to undergraduate and graduate-level students taking courses in earth science programs, such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mining engineering, and petroleum engineering. Teachers of these courses can also use this book to better understand their local geologic environment and geography.

This book provides an overview of newly gathered material focusing on the opening and closure of The Neuquén Basin. The Neuquén Basin contains the most important hydrocarbon reservoirs in Argentina and therefore is characterized by a profound knowledge of the sedimentation mechanisms and closure times. During the last 10 years a considerable amount of new information has been produced that illustrates a complex evolution that involves more than one synrift stage during its evolution, an aborted sag phase associated with the inception of a first foreland basin in late Early Cretaceous times, two extensional destabilizations in the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene and late Oligocene times and a Neogene magmatic expansion coetaneous to a last mountain building. These processes have produced a polyphasic complex structure that exhumed the rich sedimentary record that characterizes the basin.