A Review on Tectonic Record of Strain Buildup and Stress Release across the Andean Forearc along the Gulf of Guayaquil-Tumbes Basin (GGTB) near Ecuador-Peru Border — Oak Academic Publishing
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A Review on Tectonic Record of Strain Buildup and Stress Release across the Andean Forearc along the Gulf of Guayaquil-Tumbes Basin (GGTB) near Ecuador-Peru Border
Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université Paris 06, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7193, Institut des Sciences de la Terre Paris (iSTeP), Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7193, iSTeP, Paris, France
1 Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC), Université Paris 06, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7193, Institut des Sciences de la Terre Paris (iSTeP), Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7193, iSTeP, Paris, France
Gravimetric and geologic data show that the reactivation of the Neogene Interandean depression and/or the ~75 - 65 Ma ophiolite suture into the modern dynamic of the Andes controlled the Gulf of Guayaquil Tumbes basin (GGTB) location and evolution during the past 1.8 - 1.6 Myr at least. Depending on whether the remobilization occurred along the i n terandean depression or the ophiolite suture, the GGTB evolved trough pure or simple shear mechanisms, respectively. Because the GGTB exhibits an along strike tectonic asymmetry associated with a pervasive seismic gap, the simple shear solution is more likely. Tectonic inversion occurred along a mid-crust detachment (the Mid-Crust detachment hereafter) matching the ophiolite suture that accommodates the North Andean Block (NAB) northward drift. The so-called Decoupling Strip located at the shelf slope break accommodated the tensional stress rotation from N-S along the shelf area i.e . NAB-drift induced to E-W along the continental margin i.e . subduction-erosion-induced. The land ward dipping Woollard detachment system located at the Upper-Lower slope boundary connects the subduction channel at depth, allowing the Upper slope to evolve independently from the Lower slope wedge. The long-term recurrence in terval between earthquakes, the strong interplate coupling, and the aseismic creeping deformation acting along the main low-angle detachments i.e . the Woollard and the Mid-Crust detachments may account for the pervasive seismic gap at the GGTB area. Because the subduction channel exhibits no record of significant seismic activity, no evidence exists to establish a link between the GGTB sustained subsidence and a basin-centered asperity. Because the GGTB is a promis ing site of hydrocarbon resources, to understand processes at the origin of this escape-induced forearc basin has a major economic interest.
KeywordsAndean ForearcStrain BuildupStress ReleaseGulf of Guayaquil-Tumbes BasinEcuadorPeru
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