The lithosphere of Southern Peru: A result of the accretion of allochthonous blocks during the Mesoproterozoic

Abstract

Southern Peru exhibits different juxtaposed structural blocks. These blocks have a distinct sedimentary, tectonic and magmatic evolution. They are bounded by complex, mainly NW-SE fault systems, locally marked by Cenozoic and Mesozoic magmatic units. The specific Mesozoic and Cenozoic geologic evolution of each structural block is ascribed to the high heterogeneity of the southern Peruvian depth lithosphere. This lithosphere results from the accretion of different lithospheric blocks during Laurentia-Amazonia collision at around 1000 Ma.