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Coeval compressional deformation and volcanism in the central Andes, case studies from northern Chile (23°S–24°S)
Author(s) -
González Gabriel,
Cembrano José,
Aron Felipe,
Veloso Eugenio E.,
Shyu J. Bruce H.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
tectonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.465
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1944-9194
pISSN - 0278-7407
DOI - 10.1029/2009tc002538
Subject(s) - geology , volcano , magma , volcanism , compression (physics) , seismology , pleistocene , paleontology , lateral eruption , andesite , geomorphology , tectonics , volcanic rock , explosive eruption , materials science , composite material
In this contribution we examine the relationship between active compression and construction of Pleistocene volcanoes in the present‐day magmatic arc of the central Andes (23°S–24°S). Deformation produced several N–S striking, ∼40 km long subparallel ridges. These ridges formed by folding of Pliocene ignimbrites and upper Pliocene and Pleistocene lavas; they are asymmetrical in profile and have a gentle back limb and steeper frontal limb. Andesitic monogenetic volcanoes show a close spatial relationship with the ridges; some volcanoes are on the hinge zone, whereas others lay on the sides of the ridges. We interpret this spatial pattern as a result of magma storage and migration along a system of subhorizontal reservoirs and reverse faults. Magma reservoirs probably formed along flat portions of reverse faults between ramp structures that serve as episodic magma transport pathways.