Tectonic controls on the evolution of the Andean Cenozoic foreland basin: Evidence from fluvial system variations in the Payogastilla Group, in the Calchaquí, Tonco and Amblayo Valleys, NW Argentina

Abstract

The stratigraphic and sedimentological characteristics of the Payogastilla Group represent important tectono-sedimentary constraints on the evolution of the Andean foreland basin in northwestern Argentina. This nonmarine unit unconformably rests on top of the post-rift deposits of the middle Eocene Lumbrera Formation of the Santa Bárbara Subgroup (Salta Group). Eocene-Pliocene paleoenvironmental changes are a direct result of the tectonic settings and accommodation space. Sequential stratigraphic analysis of the paleoenvironment of the Los Colorados Formation strata indicates the presence of three third-order sequences. Each sequence comprises a low-accommodation systems tract (LAST) and a high-accommodation systems tract (HAST). Substantial tectonic activity from the middle to upper Miocene is represented by Angastaco Formation strata that contain a shallow, gravel-braided fluvial system associated with gravity flows, with thicknesses of 4550 m (Calchaquí River) to 1500 m (Tonco). This activity marked the depocenter of the Angastaco basin. The development of a basal unconformity and the erosion of the Los Colorados Formation suggest a renewed uplift of the source area. Changes in the fluvial systems indicate an increase of the accommodation space.To obtain better temporal constraints on the basin evolution, new U–Pb ages on zircons from five pyroclastic airfall and two sedimentary levels were determined. A substantial environmental change in the upper Miocene (10–5 Ma) is associated with three episodes of tectonic uplift that are reflected in variations in the sedimentation rates of the Palo Pintado Formation. A reactivated Pliocene tectonic uplift is recorded in alluvial fans that originated from the east.