Structural Kinematic Modeling Using Thermochronology and Magnetrostratigraphy Constraints

Abstract

Many of the structural uncertainties in the sub-Andean System are related to the lack of surface and rock uplift-age data and / or the absence of tools that allow performing structural modeling based on the integration of this specific data. For example, determining if contiguous structures in the sub-Andean System are connected through the upper detachment level could be vital to review some exploratory concepts. The kinematic modeling of these adjacent structures, using all available surface and rock uplift age data, could be the only way to do it. There are several tools that allow us to obtain reliable data related to the timing (rates and ages) of rock uplift and erosion of the different ranges within the sub-Andean System like fission-track and (U-Th-Sm)/He in apatites and zircons, and absolute dating (e.g. U/Pb), however, there are only a few that allow us to model the structures taking into account this type of thermochronological and geochronological data. Andino 3D® software code is developing a series of tools that permit the construction of kinematic deformation models, obtaining synthetic time-temperature paths. Using these tools, the simulated temperature variations suffered during the deformation, can be traced for any point within the structural model and be compared with the thermochronological models of each particular sampling location. These tools are interactive and allow us to visualize the curves of variations at the time when the kinematic model is constructed. In this way, the proposed kinematic model would fit the thermochronological data determined for each position. Likewise, the way to incorporate in Andino 3D® the generation of synthetic magnetostratigraphic columns which can be compared later with the real data obtained in the field, is being studied. This would allow performing the construction of structural sections with solid time / space constraints. The use of these tools of synthetic thermal and magneto-stratigraphy modeling can be fundamental to understand the timing of traps development and the degree of maturity of the source rock involved in the deformation of each part of the sub-Andean System.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90326 © 2018 AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region, Optimizing Exploration and Development in Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins. Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, June 6-8, 2018