Mesozoic to Cenozoic sedimentation, tectonics, and metallogeny of Sonora, Mexico

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Abstract

We will embark on a five-day journey through northern, western, and central Sonora, in which we will see excellent examples of mostly Mesozoic to Cenozoic tectonics, sedimentation, and metallogeny. On Day 1, we will visit the porphyry copper deposit at Ajo, Arizona, and several Pleistocene cinder cones and maar craters in the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve. On Day 2, we will see L- and L-S tectonites at the type locality of the Mojave-Sonora megashear in Sierra Los Tanques, Noche Buena orogenic gold deposit, Ediacaran Gamuza beds in Caborca, and have an overview of the Carnero detachment fault on the south side of Sierra La Gloria. Day 3 will explore faults and related sedimentary and volcanic rocks associated with the late Miocene oblique opening of the Gulf of California rift and visit outcrops that record late Miocene timing constraints for flooding of the Gulf of California seaway, including several localities on southern Isla Tiburón accessible only by boat. Day 4 will visit exposures of Permian sedimentary to Paleogene igneous rocks in Hermosillo (Cerro La Campana); Puerto del Sol detachment fault zone; Aconchi batholith and a hot spring localized on a Basin and Range normal fault; Santa Elena low-sulfidation epithermal gold mine; and the Upper Jurassic Cucurpe Formation. On Day 5, we will visit several exposures of different crustal levels of the Magdalena-Madera metamorphic core complex, including the spectacular stretched pebble conglomerates in Arroyo Amolares.

Study Area

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title Mesozoic to Cenozoic sedimentation, tectonics, and metallogeny of Sonora, Mexico
DOI 10.1130/2019.0055(17)
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description 92 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Geologic excursions in southwestern North America: Geological Society of America Field Guide 55
First page 407
Last page 498
Country Mexico
Other Geospatial Sonora
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