--> Abstract: Stratigraphic History and Structural Evolution of the Corocoro-Corque Syncline, Western Bolivia, by B. A. Hampton; #90925 (1999)

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HAMPTON, BRIAN A., Louisiana State University, Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, Baton Rogue, LA

Abstract: Stratigraphic History and Structural Evolution of the Corocoro-Corque Syncline, Western Bolivia

The Altiplano plateau of the Central Andes maintains a complex shortening and uplift history as the world's largest (~300 km wide and 2000 km long) and highest plateau (~4 km) associated with ocean-continent convergence (Nazca plate beneath western South America). Debate currently exists regarding the timing of original uplift and crustal shortening in the Altiplano. Previous structural and stratigraphic study within the Central Andes shows no evidence of initial thrusting prior to ~27 Ma thus assigning origin of plateau uplift to Neogene age. However recent studies involving plate motion and detailed stratigraphic analysis of Paleogene strata reveal that uplift may in fact have been occurring since latest Cretaceous time.

The Corocoro-Corque syncline and correlatable units of the northern central Altiplano (western Bolivia) show evidence of crustal shortening recorded by coarsegrained Miocene growth strata (3 km thick). However, similar deformation has not been recognized in the lower Tertiary stratigraphic column, potentially due to incomplete dating and stratigraphic correlation.

The aim of proposed and scheduled field work in this area is directed at developing a complete working knowledge of the stratigraphic history and structural evolution of the Corocoro-Corque syncline. Once timing of uplift and depositional events is constrained locally a regional correlation will be applied to similar strata in other locations within the Altiplano plateau. 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90925©1999 AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid