Evidence of Jurassic extension in NW Argentina: Characterization of fault-related strata at the Salta Group base using sandstone provenance and zircon U–Pb geochronology

The present-day structure of the Eastern Cordillera in NW Argentina is governed by structural and lithological heterogeneities inherited from preceding deformation phases, which influence localization newly-formed faults inversion pre-existing structures. Salta Rift Basin formed during a Late Jurassic-Cretaceous extensional phase created dominant stratigraphic imprint that particularly evident within Cordillera, where uplift exhumation have exposed Group syn-rift succession. Although general, rests upon Paleozoic rocks, locally Tacurú forms an intermediate succession, consisting interfingering eolian sandstones proximal fault-related conglomerates with Jurassic maximum depositional age. This succession might be key to unraveling Mesozoic history Argentina, prior deposition Group. represent earliest deposits related extension western Lomas de Olmedo sub-basin, also documented predominantly zircon (U–Th-Sm)/He cooling ages rift shoulders. detrital U–Pb age signature sandstone provenance differs strongly strata, show more regional signal. These variations angularity unconformity may connected rotation direction sub-basin.