Paleomagnetic Investigations in Central Chile: Tectonics ofthe Andean Orogen

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The Andean mountain chain is the classic example of orogenesis due to subduction of oceanic lithosphere beneath continental crust. Paleomagnetic studies have detected a systematic pattern of block rotations in the Andes and Coast Range of Chile and Peru, with counterclockwise rotations in Peru and clockwise ones in Chile, that affect rocks as young as latest cretaceous. This research will collect new paleomagnetic data in central Chile that will help determine the cause of the rotations and distinguish between several current hypotheses. Results will not only be important in understanding Andean tectonics, but will be of interest in understanding Andean-type tectonic responses elsewhere.