Analysis of subsurface data to characterize neotectonic structures in the Pampas Plains, northwestern sector of the San Guillermo Elevated Block, Argentina

C. BRAÑA CLARA; GEUNA SILVANA ; BRUNETTO, ERNESTO; ALMARAZ1, FERNANDO; VIZÁN, HAROLDO

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2023

1437-3254

Electrical Resistivity Tomographies (ERT) and topographic profiles obtained by Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) were used to study depth continuity of structures showing neotectonic activity in the southwestern sector of the San Guillermo Elevated Block (SGEB), a morphostructural unitlocated inthe Pampas region of Argentina. Data obtained from the surface and near-surface allowed us to identify the features of a fold caused by the propagation of high angle reverse blind faults. Distribution of resistivities found in the near-surface seems to indicate westward propagation of the deformation front.One of the geoelectric levels interpreted in the ERTs was used as a stratigraphic marker; the top of this level was compared with the depth found in wells drilled in different localities surrounding the study area, identifying lateral discontinuities that allow us to infer at least one stage of tectonic activity during the Pliocene - Early Pleistocene. The top of these deposits is shallower within the SGEB. On the other hand, the analysis of additional exploratory drilling allowed us to verify that the crystalline basement is fractured and is deeperthan the western area outside the morphostructural unit. We propose that there are ancient pre-existing faults, created underan extensional regime,which were later reactivated involving multiple deformation events under a compressional regime.The normal displacement of crystalline basement blocks due to extensional tectonics would have been only partially inverted later during reactivation.