Geometric, kinematic, and erosional history of the central Andean Plateau, Bolivia (15–17°S)

Abstract

Latitudinal changes in topography, climate, and thrust belt geometry in the central Andes have led to conflicting hypotheses that climate or tectonics exert a first‐order control on orogen evolution. The relative roles of climate and tectonics in the evolution of the Andean orogen are difficult to quantify because of a lack of detailed observations for both the long‐term deformation and erosion history of the Andean fold‐thrust belt. We contribute to the resolution of this problem by presenting a sequentially restored, balanced cross section based on new mapping across the northern Bolivia portion of the thrust belt (15–17°S). The timing and magnitude of exhumation across the cross section are determined by synthesizing 10 new and ∼70 previously published mineral cooling ages. Once balanced and restored, the section was sequentially forward modeled using stratigraphic and cooling age constraints. Results indicate the Eastern Cordillera (EC) records the highest magnitudes of shortening (123 km or 55%). The Interandean zone (IA) has shortened 48 km or 30%. In both the EC and IA individual thrust sheets are tightly folded and have minor offsets of 1–5 km. The Subandes (SA) has multiple levels of detachments allowing for thrust sheets with relatively large offsets (6–17 km). Total shortening in the SA is 66 km or 40%. Total magnitude of shortening for the entire fold‐thrust belt in this region is 276 km (40%). New apatite and zircon fission track cooling ages in conjunction with published ages indicate two phases of rapid exhumation; an earlier phase from ∼40 to 25 Ma in the EC and one prior to ∼25 Ma in the IA, followed by distributed exhumation of the entire fold‐thrust belt from ∼15–0 Ma. Combined exhumation estimates from the balanced cross section and thermochronology suggest ∼9–11 km of exhumation in the EC, ∼5–9 km in the IA, and ∼3–4 km in the SA. Long‐term shortening rates are 7 mm/a for the EC and IA and 4–8 mm/a for the SA. The SA shortening rates are based on a ∼15–0 Ma or 8–0 Ma deformation window. By linking cooling ages to location and magnitude of shortening, we suggest an ∼10–17 Ma pause or a dramatic deceleration in the rate of deformation and propagation of the fold‐thrust belt between 25 and ∼15 or 8 Ma.