Stratigraphy and evolution of the Cretaceous forearc Celica-Lancones basin of southwestern Ecuador

Abstract

The “Celica–Lancones” forearc Basin of southern Ecuador and northern Peru is located between the Paleozoic Amotape–Tahuin Massif to the west and NW and the continental volcanic arc to the east and SE. The study of nine sections and exhaustive sampling of the poorly fossiliferous, mainly clastic Cretaceous deposits of this Basin allowed us to define five distinct series, which display two depositional periods. The first period corresponds to the development of an Early (?) and Middle Albian carbonate shelf, interrupted during Late Albian times by the creation of a tectonically generated trough filled by turbidites of Late Albian–Coniacian age. Geological mapping indicates that this “Celica–Lancones Basin s.s.” includes distinct tectonic units, characterized by distinct early Late Cretaceous stratigraphic series and separated by major faults. These units can be grouped into two main paleogeographic domains. The southeastern one comprises mainly volcaniclastic deposits, whereas the northwestern domain exhibits quartz-rich deposits. Between Early Coniacian and Middle Campanian times, the “Celica–Lancones Basin s.s.” forerarc trough was deformed and eroded as a result of the Late Cretaceous “Peruvian” tectonic phase. The second period corresponds to the latest Cretaceous, during which a new forearc basin was created (Paita–Yunguilla Basin), which is much wider and strikes obliquely with respect to the Celica–Lancones Basin. The sediments of the Paita–Yunguilla Basin exhibit a comparable succession of Campanian–Maastrichtian age throughout the area and conceal the tectonic juxtaposition of the early Late Cretaceous tectonic units. The occurrence of thick Early(?) Maastrichtian coarse-grained conglomerates and breccias express a new significant tectonic event.