Magmatic and tectonic evolution of the Oligocene Valle del Cura basin, main Andes of Argentina and Chile: evidencie for generalized extension

WINOCUR, DIEGO A., LITVAK, D., Y VICTOR RAMOS

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SPECIAL PUBLICATION

The Geological Society of London

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2014 vol. 399 p. 1 - 23

0305-8719

The magmatic history and tectonic evolution of the Valle del Cura region has receivedthe attention of several studies in recent years, particularly as part of a larger area of interest namedthe Indio Belt. These studies have suggested an Eocene volcanic sequence known as the Valle delCura Formation. The present study, based on extensive field work, robust geochronological andgeochemical datasets, shows an Oligocene to early Miocene age for this unit, similar to theDon?a Ana Group. The tectonic setting that controlled the volcanism of the Valle del Cura Formation was extensional and corresponds to a retro-arc position of the main arc volcanism of the Don?a Ana Group. The field evidence combined with radiometric and geochemical data demonstrate the synextensional characteristic of the volcanic sequence of the Valle del Cura Formation and the Don?a Ana Group at these latitudes. This characteristic was dominant at the central part of the Pampean Flat Slab (29º?30ºS).