Paleomagnetism of Permo-Triassic and Cretaceous rocks from the Antofagasta region, northern Chile

Abstract

New paleomagnetic data from Permo-Triassic and Late Cretaceous rocks yield a consistent trend of vertical-axis-tectonic-rotations which are consistent with the Central Andean Rotation Pattern (CARP). However, three sites in the Tuina Formation and one site in the Purilactis Group record large rotations (80 degrees). These mayor rotations are probably due to dextral-transpressive deformation occurring in close relation with the lncaic tectonic phase. Consequently, it is possible to infer that previous tectonic phases Peruvian and K-T would not have produced significant tectonic rotations in the area.