Crustal Thickening of the Northern Central Andean Plateau Inferred From Trace Elements in Zircon

The timing of crustal thickening in the northern Central Andean Plateau (CAP), at 13–20°S, and its relationship to surface uplift is debated. Zircon qualitatively records thickness as trace element chemistry controlled by growth cogenetic minerals relative uptake light heavy Rare Earth Elements. Jurassic Neogene zircons from volcanic rocks, sandstones, river sediments reveal shifts ratios suggesting major 80–55 Ma 35–0 Ma, coincident with high-flux magmatism. An intervening magmatic lull due shallow subduction obscures record 55 35 during which continued via shortening. Protracted since Late Cretaceous correlates early elevation gain CAP western margin, but contrasts Miocene establishment near modern onset hyperaridity along Pacific coast, highlighting their complex spatial temporal relationship.