Variations in elastic thickness and flexure of the Maracaibo block

Abstract

We estimate the lateral variations of the elastic thickness of the Maracaibo block with a 3D numerical approach by using centered finite differences. The calculation is based on solving the fourth-order partial differential equation that governs the bending of a thin plate fixed on its boundaries (zero displacement) with variable thickness (or elastic thickness for this particular case). An initial plate-load model is built and is iteratively modified to fit the general basement configuration and gravity data. The final result is an elastic thickness map that covers the Maracaibo block and the surrounding sections of the South American plate. It shows that the elastic thickness ranges from 30 km to 18 km with a mean value of 23.6 km and a mode of 26 km. The largest elastic thickness values are associated with the location of the Santa Marta Mountains and the Barinas Apure Basin, while the smallest ones with the Mérida Andes-Maracaibo Basin flexural system. The current basement configuration within the Maracaibo basin, formed as a result of its geodynamic evolution, has affected the mechanical properties of the Maracaibo block near the current Mérida Andes position. The load of the Perijá Range is compensated by a complex stress tensor, and that of the Santa Marta Mountains does not have an isostatic root as it is held by a relatively strong lithosphere.