Orogenesis in time and space in Mexico

Abstract

The evolution of the border region of part or all of a craton, on the basis of geological data gathered from Mexico, may best be described in terms of geotectonic cycles. These consist, in chronological order, of (1) an orthogeosynclinal phase (eu- and miogeosynclines) with or without initial magmatic activity, (2) an anatexitic phase consisting of batholith emplacement with attendant regional metamorphism in the eugeosyncline and deposition of a clastic or flysch wedge over the miogeosyncline, (3) an orogenic phase consisting principally of the folding and thrusting of the sediments of the miogeosyncline together with the clastic or flysch wedge against the foreland, and (4) a taphrogenic or block-faulting phase accompanied by (a) accumulation of post-orogenic debris or molasse, (b) subsequent magmatic activity consisting largely of igneous extrusions with fewer intrusions, and (c) final magmatic activity consisting of igneous extrusions. A region that has gone through the above phases of a geotectonic cycle may be termed a structural belt. In the post-Precambrian geologic history of Mexico, three geotectonic cycles are recognized: one occurred along the Pacific border of Mexico between Cambrian and middle Jurassic (?) time (Jaliscoan geotectonic cycle), the second occurred along the present Gulf of Mexico border of the country at the same time (Huastecan geotectonic cycle), and the third occurred over the entire country from the United States border to the Guatemalan border between Late Jurassic and Pliocene time (Mexican geotectonic cycle). The early Mesozoic clastic rocks in northwestern Mexico may signify a fourth geotectonic cycle in that region. In the three recognized geotectonic cycles, however, the geologic record shows only two orogenic phases, one of which occurred in late Paleozoic time in an arcuate belt along the eastern side of Mexico (Coahuilan orogeny), and the other in early Tertiary time in a belt traversing central Mexico from the United States border to the Guatemalan border (Hidalgoan orogeny).