Unraveling the Magmatic and Geomorphic Processes Recorded in the Topography of the Central Andes

Unraveling the Magmatic and Geomorphic Processes Recorded in the Topography of the Central Andes
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 115
Release: 2015
Genre:
ISBN: 9781339401881

The topography of volcanic arcs reflects a combination of magmatic ascent processes that deform the overlying crust, volcanic eruptions that blanket the surface in lava and ash, and geomorphic processes that shape these deposits into the observable landscape and consequently record an erosional archive of surface deformation. A central goal of geomorphology is to utilize the form of landscapes to infer the processes that shape them, yet comparatively little work has been done to quantitatively understand the geomorphology of volcanic landscapes. The Central Volcanic Zone of the South American Andes (CVZ, 15-28°S) represents an ideal location for understanding the processes that shape the surface of volcanic arcs; the arid climate and well-constrained geochronology of volcanic deposits provide a geomorphic archive going back 11 Myrs, and the wealth of available geophysical imaging data provides a high-resolution glimpse into the subsurface. In this thesis I utilize geormophic and geophysical data to explore fundamental questions in volcanic landscape evolution at varying spatial scales. To begin, I examine the isostatic uplift response to crustal intrusion of mantle-derived melt, resulting in growth of the largest known active magma reservoir on Earth (the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body). From topography I show that it is possible to calculate the contribution of mantle-derived melt to crustal thickening, and I compare these results to independent seismic estimates that agree well with our data. I then use the record of volcanic deposits from the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body to estimate the flux of mantle melt into the crust, and show that predicted uplift rates are comparable to the surface uplift associated with convective lithospheric removal. Next, I explore how the topography of individual volcanic systems can help discern the style of melt ascent from deeper crustal magma reservoirs to shallow ones. Using two actively deforming volcanoes in the CVZ, Uturuncu volcano and the Lazufre volcanic complex, I use river profiles, lake shorelines, and lava flow deflections to infer each volcano's surface deformation record into the geomorphic past. Uturuncu volcano shows little signs of permanent paleo-deformation, suggesting transient ascent of magma over millenial timescales, while Lazufre's long wavelength deformation suggests continued accumulation of magma since > 0.3 Ma. Finally, I utilize the unique topography of a windswept ignimbrite erupted from the Altiplano-Puna Magma body to better understand how wind abrasion can incise bedrock canyons, a fundamental geomorphic process in arid landscapes on both Earth and Mars. Using a natural experiment within the 4 Ma Puripicar ignimbrite on the western slope of the Central Andes, we quantify the relative contribution of wind and water erosion in propagating bedrock canyons and show that wind can incise canyons an order of magnitude faster than rivers, streamlining their profiles in the process. Thus, in these chapters I illustrate how geomorphology can be a useful tool for quantifying subsurface magmatic processes, while volcanic landscapes themselves can also provide unique opportunities for understanding fundamental planetary geomorphic processes not often observed elsewhere on Earth.

Textures, Structures and Processes of Volcanic Successions

Textures, Structures and Processes of Volcanic Successions
Author: Beatriz L.L. Coira
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 173
Release: 2020-09-18
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 3030520102

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.

Tectonics of the Southern Central Andes

Tectonics of the Southern Central Andes
Author: Klaus-Joachim Reutter
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 333
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642773532

together with contributions by invited geoscientists The Central Andes, whose orogenic activity is so impressively documented by recent volcanism and and counterparts from other countries, during a workshop held in Berlin, 23-25 May 1990. A great earthquakes, have always attracted the attention of geoscientists. This interest became even more accen number of the papers presented at this workshop are tuated since, a quarter of a century ago, Plate included in this volume. While most of the chapters Tectonics became the basis for the New Global refer regionally to the segment of the southern Andes Tectonics concept, in which this huge mountain range mentioned above, others treat general aspects or deal was the most spectacular example of an active conti with Andean regions farther south, thus showing not only that the structures of this mountain range can be nental margin. Thus, in addition to the continuing research work by South American and foreign geo followed to more distant parts but also that there are scientists dedicated mostly to regional and economic significant structural variations along strike. problems, a great number of special research pro Like other books which originate from workshops grammes were initiated aiming at a better understand and are comprised of contributions from many ing of the processes acting at a convergent plate authors, also this one cannot give a complete and margin. well-balanced view of the scientific subject dealt In 1982, the earth science institutes of the Freie with, in this case the southern Central Andes.

Cenozoic Geology of the Central Andes of Argentina

Cenozoic Geology of the Central Andes of Argentina
Author: José Salfity & Rosa A. Marquillas
Publisher: SCS Publisher
Total Pages: 465
Release: 2011
Genre: Andes
ISBN: 9872689008

The book Cenozoic Geology of the Central Andes of Argentina, prepared within the context of Instituto del Cenozoico at Universidad Nacional de Salta, is thus a compendium of 27 original contributions containing extensive work on the multiple aspects of Andean geology of the past 65 million years. Each study has been responsibly peer-reviewed, thoroughly edited and carefully presented.

Geodynamic Processes in the Andes of Central Chile and Argentina

Geodynamic Processes in the Andes of Central Chile and Argentina
Author: S.A. Sepúlveda
Publisher: Geological Society of London
Total Pages: 459
Release: 2015-04-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1862396531

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.

The Southern Central Andes

The Southern Central Andes
Author: Heinrich Bahlburg
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2006-04-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3540459049

This volume gives an overview of the geotectonic evolution of the Central Andes. The contributions cover the whole spectrum of geoscientific research: geology, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics and geomorphology. They deal with the period from late Precambrium up to the youngest phenomena in the Quaternary. The book is of value for regional geologists as well as for scientists interested in orogenic processes related to active continental margins.

Geology and Ore Deposits of the Central Andes

Geology and Ore Deposits of the Central Andes
Author: Brian J. Skinner
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 1999
Genre: Geology
ISBN: 9781629490311

Geophysical data relating the dynamic processes of plate motion and subduction to Andean orogenesis are interpreted in terms of a new model for magmatic and tectonic development of the central Andes. The model is based on changing subduction geometry - from normal to flat to normal - and the attendant magmatic and tectonic effects of slab dewatering, continental lithospheric hydration, and asthenospheric flow during closing and opening of the subduction zone mantle wedge.

Textures, Structures and Processes of Volcanic Successions

Textures, Structures and Processes of Volcanic Successions
Author: Beatriz L.L. Coira
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN: 9783030520113

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.