Deciphering the Late Paleozoic–Cenozoic Tectonic History of the Inner Central Andes Forearc: An Update From the Salar de Punta Negra Basin of Northern Chile

We integrated new and existing geological, geochronological, thermochronological, two-dimensional (2D) seismic data from the Salar de Punta Negra Basin to define Late Paleozoic–Cenozoic tectonic evolution of inner Andean forearc northern Chile more precisely. Our results indicate that this region experienced early Paleozoic–Mesozoic crustal extension, creating several basement half-graben structures bounded by east- west-dipping master faults. These extensional basins were filled Upper Permian Jurassic volcanic sedimentary (continental marine) syn-rift deposits. The genesis these is related breakup western Gondwana continent development large Tarapacá in southern Perú. Subsequently, Cretaceous Paleocene contraction occurred, which led inversion pre-existing rift system uplift Seismic show synorogenic deposits accumulated along over anticlines, recording initial marking change an a contractional setting. During final episodes basin inversion, shortening was accommodated Eocene recent reverse faulting accompanied rapid exhumation pre-rift blocks, served as principal sources for sediments pre-Andean during Cenozoic. Finally, exhumed blocks faults compartmentalized intermontane basins, constitute main low topographic relief Chile.