Brittle deformation of the Neogene deposits of the Navidad Basin (Coastal Cordillera, 34°S, central Chile)

Abstract

In the Neogene Navidad Basin, located in the Coastal Range of central Chile (34°S), a series of brittle deformations generated during the Late Miocene and Pliocene, were observed. Based on the numerical analysis of microfault planes and their slickensides, the main stress directions, caused by various extensional and compressive tectonic events, were determined. Results obtained in the Navidad Basin indicate that an extension of unknown direction occurred during the Late Miocene-Early Pliocene. Thereafter, extensional deformation orientated approximately east-west, affected this zone during the whole of the Pliocene. During this epoch a short east-west compressive pulse occurred. In spite of this compressive event, the marine Navidad Basin developed essentially in an extensional tectonic regime during the entire Neogene.