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Fault zone deformational constraints on Paleogene tectonic evolution in southern Puerto Rico

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91GL00411· OSTI ID:5511497
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH (United States)
  2. Univ. of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico)
Paleogene deformation in south central Puerto Rico of Cretaceous-Eocene volcaniclastic sediments and volcanic rocks is characterized by west-northwest trending sinistral strike-slip faults, northeast directed thrusts, and fault-related mesoscopic folds. A west-northwest trending belt of predominantly Eocene age sediments is flanked by Upper Cretaceous rocks; a 8-15 km wide fault zone is spatially coincident with this lithologic belt. Structural data and deformational style indicate that the area is a sinistrally transpressive, slightly north vergent, asymmetric flower structure, of which the upper portion is presently exposed in the belt of predominantly Eocene sediments. Deformational characteristics, in combination with sedimentary and tectonic evidence, constrain evolutionary scenarios of the fault zone (specifically, age and amount of displacement) and the northeastern Caribbean, as discussed herein.
OSTI ID:
5511497
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 18:3; ISSN 0094-8276; ISSN GPRLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English