Title
Active transpressional tectonics in the Andean forearc of southern Peru quantified by <sup>10</sup>Be surface exposure dating of an active fault scarp
Date Issued
01 September 2017
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Audin L.
Hall S.R.
Robert X.
Delgado F.
Carcaillet J.
Aumaître G.
Bourlès D.L.
Keddadouche K.
Publisher(s)
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
Our understanding of the style and rate of Quaternary tectonic deformation in the forearc of the Central Andes is hampered by a lack of field observations and constraints on neotectonic structures. Here we present a detailed analysis of the Purgatorio fault, a recently recognized active fault located in the forearc of southern Peru. Based on field and remote sensing analysis (Pléiades DEM), we define the Purgatorio fault as a subvertical structure trending NW-SE to W-E along its 60 km length, connecting, on its eastern end, to the crustal Incapuquio Fault System. The Purgatorio fault accommodates right-lateral transpressional deformation, as shown by the numerous lateral and vertical plurimetric offsets recorded along strike. In particular, scarp with a 5 m cumulative throw is preserved and displays cobbles that are cut and covered by slickensides. Cosmogenic radionuclide exposure dating (10Be) of quartzite cobbles along the vertical fault scarp yields young exposure ages that can be bracketed between 0 to 6 ka, depending on the inheritance model that is applied. Our preferred scenario, which takes in account our geomorphic observations, implies at least two distinct rupture events, each associated with ~3 and ~2 m of vertical offset. These two events plausibly occurred during the last thousand years. Nevertheless, an interpretation invoking more tectonic events along the fault cannot be ruled out. This work affirms crustal deformation along active faults in the Andean forearc of southern Peru during the last thousand years.
Start page
1662
End page
1678
Volume
36
Issue
9
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Geología
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85028590967
Source
Tectonics
ISSN of the container
02787407
Sponsor(s)
All the data used to perform this study are available in the paper (table) and in the supporting information. This research is part of the IRD-INGEMMET convenio and was financially supported by IRD and INGEMMET (Neotectonics program) and a grant from Labex OSUG@2020 (Investissements d’avenir —ANR10 LABX56). We also thank FONDECYT, which funded part of the PhD of Carlos Benavente by contract 297-2014. The Astrium and the ISIS/CNES program provided the Pléiades images. The TCN measurements were performed at the ASTER AMS national facility (CEREGE, Aix en Provence), which is supported by the INSU/CNRS, the ANR through the “Projets thématiques d’excellence” program for the “Equipements d’excellence” ASTER-CEREGE action, and IRD. The authors acknowledge Peter van der Beek for his comments and advise on a previous version of this manuscript, Pascal Lacroix for his support during the Pléiades images processing, and Nicholas Arndt for English edits. This manuscript benefited of careful and thorough reviews and comments from Robin Lacassin, an anonymous reviewer, and Taylor Schildgen as Associate Editor.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus