Collaborative Research: Evaluation of a Ridge Subduction Model for the Early Paleozoic Evolution of the Pampean Orogen, Argentina

Brown University, Providence RI

Investigators

Abstract

0073852 Simpson 0001150 Gromet Argentina contains basement rocks that are key to understanding Paleozoic evolution of the paleo-Pacific margin of Gondwana and the possible relationship of events there to the development of the Appalachian margin of Laurentia. Recent work in the structurally complex rocks of Eastern Sierras Pampeanas has produced data in conflict with predictions of existing models of the evolution of this margin by a continental collision. This project will test and further investigate the possibility that the structures and metamorphic signatures are the result of a continental margin/accretionary prism that underwent ridge subduction instead. Results have considerable implications to attempts to reassemble the Gondwana supercontinent.