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Geological Society, London, Special Publications

Structural evolution of the Sierra de San Luis (Eastern

Sierras Pampeanas, Argentina): implications for the
Proto-Andean Margin of Gondwana
W. Von Gosen and C. Prozzi

Geological Society, London, Special Publications 1998, v.142;

p235-258.
doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1998.142.01.12

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Structural evolution of the Sierra de San Luis (Eastern Sierras

Pampeanas, Argentina): implications for the Proto-Andean Margin
of Gondwana

W. V O N G O S E N 1 & C. P R O Z Z I 2

1 Geological Institute, University o f Erlangen-Nfirnberg, Schlossgarten 5,

D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
2 Departamento de Geologia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670,
8000 Bahia Blanca, Argentina

Abstract: The Western Basement Complex of the Sierra de San Luis underwent a complex
deformational and metamorphic history of presumed Proterozoic age. The Phyllite Group
and equivalents consist of a thick clastic sequence, whose time of deposition is compared
with that of the Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian Puncoviscana Formation. This is
intruded by early Famatinian magmatic arc tonalites to granodiorites, whereas an eastern
basement unit was affected by early Famatinian mafic/ultramafic intrusions, metamorphism,
and deformation. This Early Ordovician plutonism is related to east-directed subduction
beneath the western margin of the Pampean terrane. Subsequent compression, plutonism,
and variable-grade metamorphism are considered to be Mid- to Late Ordovician in age.
Post-Famatinian c. WNW-ESE contraction under greenschist facies conditions led to
folding of the cover sediments and uplift of different metamorphic units along mylonite
zones which record an oblique sinistral component in the western part of the sierra. Based
on a few radiometric data, this stage is interpreted as Devonian in age. It is possible that the
compressive event was the result of the collision with the Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane in
the west: oblique kinematic displacements, together with some evidence from outside the
Sierra de San Luis, can be interpreted as the effect of the indenting terrane.

In western Argentina, the Sierras Pampeanas Although the area has been the subject of
basement complex consists of two contrasting several regional and exploration studies (e.g.,
u n i t s - the Western and Eastern Sierras Pam- Kilmurray & Dalla Salda 1977; Kilmurray 1982;
peanas (sensu Caminos 1973, 1979; Dalla Salda Romero 1984; Dalla Salda 1987; Hack 1987;
1987), on the basis of differences in lithology as Delakowitz 1988; Ortiz Su~rez 1988; Ortiz
well as magmatic and metamorphic evolution. Sufirez & Ramos 1990; Prozzi 1990; Brodtkorb
The Andean half-horst structure of the Sierra 1991; Ortiz Sufirez et al. 1992; von Gosen
(Grande) de San Luis represents the southern- & Prozzi 1996), the magmatic, structural, and
most block of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas. metamorphic evolution of many parts of the
Its magmatic, tectonic, and metamorphic history mountain chain is poorly understood and little is
spans ?Precambrian to Early Palaeozoic time known about the timing of the different events.
and was terminated prior to the deposition of It has been suggested that in the metamorphic
Late Palaeozoic clastic sediments. rocks, early folding around c. E - W axes was
The Sierra de San Luis lies to the east of the related to the 'Pampean Cycle' and that this
inferred eastern margin of the Early Palaeozoic was followed by the dominant N N E - S S W trend
Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane (V. A. Ramos of the 'Famatinian Cycle' (e.g., Criado Roque
et al. 1996) or 'Texas Plateau' of Dalziel (1997), et al. 1981; Dalla Salda 1987). However, clear
which also comprise most parts of the Western separation of the pre-Famatinian structural and
Sierras Pampeanas. It has been argued that this metamorphic events from those of the Famati-
terrane collided with the Eastern Sierras Pam- nian Cycle has been difficult to establish.
peanas during mid-Ordovician times (e.g., Astini In the present paper we give a brief synthesis
et al. 1995; V. A. Ramos et al. 1996). The timing of the evolution of the metamorphic complex of
of collision and location of the suture zone, how- the Sierra de San Luis. We describe the different
ever, are still matters of debate. The magmatic, lithological units and summarise the magmatic,
tectonic, and metamorphic history of the Sierra structural, and metamorphic events during the
de San Luis can give an insight into the geotec- pre-Famatinian, Famatinian and post-Famati-
tonic evolution of this segment of the convergent nian cycles. The term 'Famatinian cycle' was
western margin of Gondwana during the Early used by Acefiolaza & Toselli (1976), Acefiolaza
Palaeozoic era. et al. (1978), and Acefiolaza & Miller (1982), to

VON GOSEN, W. & PROZZI, C. 1998. Structural evolution of the Sierra de San Luis (Eastern Sierras Pampeanas,
Argentina): implications for the Proto-Andean Margin of Gondwana. In: PANKHUP,ST, R. J. & RAPELA, C. W.
(eds) The Proto-Andean Margin of Gondwana. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 142, 235-258.
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236 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

comprise the post-Mid-Cambrian to Devonian (see below), acid meta-igneous layers, and the
time interval. New radiometric data from the monotonous pelitic to psammitic composition,
Sierra de San Luis (Sims et al. 1997), show that both eastern strips of micaschist are considered
the term 'Famatinian' can be restricted to Ordo- equivalent to the Phyllite Group clastic rocks
vician events. The older and younger events are (yon Gosen 1998).
ascribed generally to 'pre-Famatinian' and 'post- To the east, the micaschists continuously
Famatinian' cycles, respectively. The relative grade into injected muscovite-biotite schists,
chronological order of events, based on the first with quartzites and several generations of
deformational fabrics observed, and published pegmatite (in part the 'Conlara Metamorphic
radiometric data, will lead us to a preliminary Complex' of Sims et al. 1997). These rocks are
interpretation of the timing of the structural and widely distributed in the eastern part of the
metamorphic overprints (summarized in Fig. 10) sierra and sometimes show a transition to
and subsequently to some larger-scale implica- migmatites and gneisses. A Late Precambrian-
tions for the tectonic evolution of this part of the Early Cambrian age is also assumed for simply
proto-Andean margin of Gondwana. In the text, deformed phyllites and micaschists with quart-
the subscripts 'x' and 'F' refer to pre-Famatinian zites which occur between Quines and Santa
and Famatinian deformational events or fabric Rosa. Due to poor outcrop, however, the con-
elements, respectively. tacts with the injected schists to the east and
south, and within the monotonous succession,
are unclear (simplified and generalized on the
Lithological units map of Fig. 1).
Within the sierra, an undifferentiated base-
The Phyllite Group ('San Luis Formation' of ment complex can be separated into two units
Prozzi & Ramos 1988) is exposed in two N N E - which are referred to here as Western and
SSW trending strips within the southwestern part Eastern basement complexes (WBC and EBC,
of the sierra (Fig. 1). The monotonous succession respectively) (see also Ortiz Sufirez et al. 1992).
consists of alternating phyllites and quart- In the western part of the mountain range
zites and is interpreted as a turbiditic sequence (Fig. 1), the basement rocks ('Nogoli Meta-
(Prozzi 1990). In the clastic deposits only two morphic Complex' of Sims et al. 1997) are
meta-conglomerate horizons have been found injected muscovite-biotite and biotite musco-
(e.g., Conglomerado Cafiada Honda: Prozzi vite schists or gneisses, with intercalated biotite
1990; G. Ramos et al. 1996), whilst carbonates schists and quartzites. They contain layers and
are entirely lacking. Widely distributed centi- lenses of amphibolite (e.g., south of San Fran-
metre to tens-of-metres thick, and up to 1 km cisco del Monte de Oro: see Merodio et al.
long, layers of (meta-) rhyolitic to dacitic rocks 1978). Some of the meta-clastic rocks display
are interpreted as of volcanic origin (Brodtkorb different stages of migmatization.
et al. 1984; Fernandez et al. 1991), whilst dykes To the east of the La Escalerilla granite and
occur west of the La Escalerilla granite (e.g., von adjacent micaschists, migmatitic sillimanite-
Gosen & Prozzi 1996; von Gosen in press). garnet-biotite schists to gneisses, biotite-plagio-
The dykes were injected prior to compressive clase gneisses, and quartzite layers comprise the
deformation and regional metamorphism of the EBC (in part the 'Pringles Metamorphic Com-
country rocks. The age of the clastic succession plex' of Sims et al. 1997). Many areas comprise
is not constrained by fossils, but can be broadly injected schists, gneisses, and quartzites with
compared with that of the Late Precambrian- densely distributed granitic, pegmatitic, and
Early Cambrian Puncoviscana Formation s.l. of aplitic veins and dykes on different scales. These
NW Argentina (e.g., Prozzi 1990; von Gosen & rock types alternate with and show transitions
Prozzi 1996). to migmatites.
In two NNE-SSW-trending strips, clastic Within this basement unit, lenses of mafic to
metasediments of the Micaschist Group accom- ultramafic rocks and complexes with metre
pany the Phyllite Group in the southwestern part to kilometre scale are aligned in a NNE-SSW-
of the sierra (Fig. 1). To the west, an additional trending strip (see e.g., Gonzfilez Bonorino 1961,
layer extends along the eastern margin of the La and the 'Las Aguilas Group' of Sims et al. 1997).
Escalerilla granite and further to the NNE. The The most prominent occurrences are at Las
Micaschist Group consists of a monotonous suc- Aguilas in the south and Virorco to the NNE.
cession of alternating biotite-muscovite schists The mafic and ultramafic rocks include pyrox-
and quartzites with intercalated pegmatites and enites, norites, peridotites, hornblendites and
a few plagioclase amphibolites. In view of con- gabbros, and are partly associated with granu-
tinuous structural and metamorphic gradation lites (e.g., Gonzfilez Bonorino 1961; Cucchi 1964;
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 237

Fig. 1. Simplified geological sketch map of the Sierra de San Luis based on Yrigoyen (1981), Ortiz Sufirez et al.
(1992), Brogioni et al. (1994), Llambias et al. (this volume), and our own investigations. Thick vertically and
horizontally ruled areas represent the Western and Eastern Basement Complex, respectively. Encircled numbers
refer to different tonalite-granodiorite occurrences mentioned in the text which are: 1, Bemberg; 2, Las Verbenas;
3, Gasparillo; 4, Tamboreo; 5, Realito. Frames indicate the areas of Figs 3 and 7, whereas lines show those
of profiles A-A' and B B ~ in Fig. 4.
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238 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

Sabalfia et al. 1981; Brogioni 1992; Malvicini (Fig. 1) was injected by millimetre to several
& Brogioni 1993; Sims et al. 1997). Further metres-thick quartz-plagioclase veins and grani-
north-northeastwards, the occurrences of La tic sheets. This was accompanied by the growth
Bolsa and La Melada-La Gruta mostly consist of < l c m long muscovite plates within the
of meta-gabbros with minor hornblendites and country rocks. The second deformation (Dx2)
pyroxenites (e.g., Brogioni & Ribot 1994). led to tight Fx2 folding of the Sxl foliation and
The above units of the Sierra de San Luis are quartz-plagioclase veins on a cm to several
intruded by different granitoid plutons which are metres scale (Fig. 2). A penetrative Sx2 foliation
partly described below when their relationships is the dominant planar fabric in the basement
with the structures is essential (see also Llambias rocks. Within strips of variable width it sepa-
et al. this volume). rates Fx2 structures parallel to the axial planes.
It partly records a steeply inclined to subvertical
Pre-Famatinian cycle L• lineation defined by aligned biotite 4- musco-
vite. First magmatic layers are boudinaged
After a penetrative foliation development (Sxl), and/or foliated. During Dx2, mm- to cm-thick
defined by aligned biotite + muscovite, the WBC quartz-plagioclase and aplitic to pegmatitic

Fig. 2. Simplified, schematic, and composite block diagram of fabric elements and different intrusions in the
basement complex northwest of La Carolina (west of Pampa de Las Invernadas). Undeformed granite, pegmatite,
and aplite dykes cut across pre-Famatinian fabric elements as well as granite injections and intrusives in
biotite-muscovite to muscovite-biotite schists to gneisses. The dykes are younger than undefonned early
Famatinian granites (scale is approximate).
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E V O L U T I O N OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 239

Fig. 3. Simplified geological map of the area northwest of La Carolina, based on interpreted aerial photographs
and local field mapping (for location, see Fig. 1). The indicated sinistral and local dextral sense of shear along
main fault (mylonite) zones is related to an oblique displacement.
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240 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

veins were injected parallel to, or at low angle respectively (Sims et al. 1997), which the latter
to, the Sx2 foliation. Parallel veins were boudi- authors relate to Early Ordovician intrusive
naged within the Sx2 fabric. Layers and lenses activity, metamorphism, and synchronous defor-
of amphibolite lie within, and are affected by, mation. However, this does not exclude the
the Sx2 foliation fabric, and those NW of La possibility that pre-Famatinian structural and
Carolina were interpreted as having been mafic metamorphic events exist in this complex.
intrusions prior to the main phase of deforma- In contrast to the WBC, the steeply inclined to
tion and metamorphism (Merodio et al. 1978). subvertical SF2 foliation has a NNE-SSW trend.
After the Dx2 deformation, various parts of the Tight FF2 fold structures on a cm- to m-scale
basement were densely injected by granitic and have axes with variable NNE or SSW plunge.
pegmatitic magma, leading to the development Furthermore, wide areas record migmatitic
of migmatitic textures. The random growth of fabrics which grade into injected sillimanite-
muscovite plates near the injections can be garnet-biotite schists without muscovite.
related to heat and fluid transfer in the country The penetrative SF2 foliation development led
rocks. The migmatization interferes with the final to boudinage of the widely distributed mafic to
stage of compressive deformation which is ultramafic lenses and mafic/ultramafic com-
indicated by a local, open Fx3 folding on a plexes. Prior to and after the compressive DF2
metre to several metres-scale around steeply event, smaller magmatic bodies were injected by
inclined to vertical axes. It is important to note quartz-plagioclase and granitic veins which
that the subvertical Sx2 foliation follows a indicate the onset and continuation of migmati-
variable c. WNW-ESE to NNE-SSW trend of zation, respectively. In some parts, an older
strike (Fig. 3) which is related to the F,,3 folding. foliation in the amphibotites, recorded by aligned
Thus, the Bx2 axes vary in strike and record long axes of amphibole, is folded around FF2 fold
variable plunge to eastern and western directions. structures, which can be directly related to the
High-grade metamorphic overprint is indi- tight FF2 folding in the metasediments. After DF2
cated by the growth of biotite, muscovite, deformation, intense migmatization in parts of
+garnet, +cordierite, and sillimanite. The latter the basement also affected those country rocks
grew pre- to syn-Dx2 and mostly was enclosed as that contain boudins of mafic and ultramafic
fibrolite by muscovite plates. Migmatization rocks. Isolated boudins can be found within
during Dx3 can be related to an increase in nebulitic migmatites, recording restite textures -
temperature through the stages of compression, sillimanite-garnet-biotite schists which partly
which is supported by cordierite-bearing leuco- display relics of tight FF2 fold structures. The
somes cross-cutting the gneissosity (Sims et al. formation of these migmatites interferes with
1997). The occurrence of staurolite and kyanite FF3 fold structures around steeply inclined to
NW of La Carolina (Kilmurray & Dalla Salda vertical axes.
1977) cannot be directly related to this meta- The Ol=2 to OF3 history was accompanied by
morphism due to the lack of detailed studies. high-grade metamorphism. Granulite facies is
The pre-Famatinian age of the basement com- reported from the Las Aguilas and Virorco
plex (Llambias et al. 1996) is discussed below. areas (e.g., Gonz/dez Bonorino 1961; Sims et al.
1997). In the migmatitic rocks, the metamorph-
ism is indicated by the growth of biotite,
The Famatinian cycle poikiloblastic garnet (also in magmatic injec-
tions), aligned and randomly oriented sillima-
Eastern Basement Complex nite, plagioclase, and K-feldspar in the absence
of muscovite, whilst cordierite is described from
In the basement east of the La Escalerilla granite the Las Aguilas area (e.g., Sabalfia et al. 1981;
(Fig. 1), fabrics comparable to the Dxl to Dx3 Malvicini & Brogioni 1993; Brogioni 1994; Sims
deformations of the WBC were also found with et al. 1997). The growth of cm-long muscovite
different stages of magmatic injections and plates is related to later granitic and pegmatitic
migmatization. To assume a Proterozoic age injections. Plastic deformation of cumulates
for the mafic to ultramafic rocks would be in and intercumulate material, together with
accordance to the opinions of, e.g., Kilmurray & partial recrystallization and mylonite fabrics
Dalla Salda (1977), Ramos (1988), and Gonzfilez (Brogioni 1992), polygonal (recrystallization)
Bonorino & Llambias (1996). Recent U-Pb fabrics of labradoritic plagioclase (Brogioni &
dating of zircons from a felsic segregation in Ribot 1994), and the replacement of pyroxene by
the ultramafic rocks at Las Aguilas and of zircon Mg-hornblende (Brogioni 1994) can be related
rims from a spatially associated felsic orthog- to the high-temperature event within the mafic/
neiss, however, gave 478 i 6 Ma and 484 • 7 Ma, ultramafic complexes.
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 241

Early Intrusions pre-Famatinian Fx3 folding event, which is

confirmed by pegmatite dykes cutting across
Prior to compressive deformation, the Phyllite Fx3 folds on a metre scale. In the entire Phyllite
Group and equivalent parts of the Micaschist Group such dykes only occur just to the east of
Group were intruded by the tonalites to grano- the Gasparillo tonalite and south of Pampa de
diorites of Gasparillo, Bemberg, Las Verbenas, Las Invernadas. They are related to the pegma-
Tamboreo (e.g., Zardini 1966; Sato & Llambias tite dykes within the tonalites and WBC.
1994; S/tnchez et al. 1996; Sato et al. 1996; yon The Gasparillo tonalite intruded both the
Gosen 1998, in press; Llambias et al. this WBC and undeformed sediments of the Phyllite
volume), and Realito (Brogioni et al. 1994), as Group in the east. It encloses xenoliths of the
well as additional unnamed intrusions and dykes basement rocks (Llambias et al. 1996) and at
in the western part of the sierra (Fig. 1). the northern margin cuts a large-scale Fx3
Intrusion resulted in contact metamorphism of antiform. Furthermore, parts of the basement
the undeformed sedimentary country rocks west of the La Escalerilla granite (Pancanta
within more or less pronounced aureoles (e.g., area), as well as adjacent parts of the Phyllite
S/mchez et al. 1996; Sato et al. 1996; yon Gosen Group to the north, were intruded by tonalites
1998, in press). and muscovite+biotite granites at the same
The plutons are aligned in a long, c. N N E - level, without evidence for displacement along
SSW-trending belt which, according to Sato et an intervening mylonite zone. All this suggests
al. (1996) and Llambias et al. (this volume), is that the WBC was displaced against the
part of the Famatinian magmatic arc. Rb-Sr consolidated deposits of the Phyllite Group
dating of the Bemberg Tonalite has given an prior to the onset of Early Ordovician intrusive
approximate Late Cambrian to Early Ordovi- activity. Hence, it is probable that the mono-
clan age (c. 513 Ma errochron: Sato et al. 1996; tonous Late Precambrian-Early Cambrian pile
512 + 16 Ma: Llambias et al. this volume). U-Pb of clastic sediments in the sierra covered this
dating of zircons from the Tamboreo and consolidated and steeply inclined to subvertical
Bemberg Tonalites at 470 • 5 and 468 + 6 Ma, basement complex, which was uplifted to a high
respectively (Sims et al. 1997), suggests emplace- crustal level along deep-seated fault zones
ment during the Early Ordovician and represents during pre-Early Ordovician times. From this a
initial Famatinian intrusive activity. In the La Proterozoic age of the basement is assumed
Florida area, one rhyolitic-dacitic dyke cuts here, although Pampean orogenesis (c. Mid-
across the southwestern margin of the Tamboreo Cambrian) cannot be excluded.
tonalite, whereas such cross-cutting relationships
have not been found for the dykes west of the La
Escalerilla granite (von Gosen in press).
D e f o r m a t i o n and m e t a m o r p h i s m o f the
Micaschist Group and equivalents
Uplift and age o f the Western
Basement Complex East of the La Escalerilla Granite. A strip of
micaschists (Fig. 1) records at least one com-
In the western part of the sierra, Famatinian pressive deformational event prior to the first
tonalites and later granites (e.g., Rio Claro) deformation of the Phyllite Group and La
intrude the WBC with sharp contacts and Escalerilla Granite (see below). The deforma-
without direct relation to the migmatites. tion is indicated by a penetrative foliation
Muscovite granites on a scale of several metres fabric, defined by aligned biotite and muscovite,
to hundreds-of-metres sometimes display a which is parallel to or cuts across (relicts of)
biotite-rich marginal facies. Some enclose xeno- bedding. After cessation of compressive defor-
liths of basement rocks with centimetre to metre mation, widely distributed granitic, pegmatitic,
sizes, indicating high-level stoping. NE-SW- to and aplitic veins, dykes, sills, and sheets of
N-S-trending, centimetre to tens of metres thick variable extent were injected into the meta-
granite and pegmatite dykes cut across the clastic rocks. The metamorphic overprint led to
steeply inclined basement rocks together with the growth of biotite and garnet+(fibrolitic)
tonalite and granite intrusions. They are cross- sillimanite. Muscovite plates and aggregates
cut by younger, c. N-S or E-W-trending peg- enclose fibrolite and were deformed during the
matite and aplite dykes. On a regional scale, the later foliation development. As in the mica-
dykes record a consistent strike (Fig. 3). This schists to the east, sericite aggregates probably
shows that different orientations of the S,,2 represent andalusite converted during later
foliation within the gneisses are related to the compressive deformation and metamorphism.
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242 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZ1

West and east of the Phyllite Group. The above muscovite plates at the contacts with the
metamorphic overprint can be broadly com- country rocks. In the injected micaschists, these
pared with that in the strip of micaschists of pegmatites are widely distributed and also some
La Florida and Paso del Rey-Rio de La Carpa. post-Dvl granite dykes occur in the east.
There, a widely distributed pre- to partly syn- Within parts of the eastern micaschists and
deformational growth of biotite, muscovite, injected schists to the east, the DF2 deformation
muscovite plates, garnet and partly (?) andalu- is documented by open-to-tight fold structures
site could be detected in the clastic successions. on a centimetre to tens of metres scale. The BF2
Fibrolitic sillimanite (not found at La Florida axes trend c. E-W to NW-SE. On Sv2 crenula-
and north of Cerros Lagos) is mostly enclosed in tion cleavage planes, a c. ESE-plunging Lv2
muscovite plates or aggregates, as well as in up lineation is defined by aligned biotite, muscovite,
to I cm long porphyroblasts (?andalusite) that muscovite plates, and elongated sericite aggre-
were entirely converted into sericite aggregates. gates. In the injected schists, the gentle plunge
Diffusional mass transfer during metamorphism of Lv2 can change to c. NE, and BF2 axes
is indicated by the occurrence of diffusion haloes also strike e. NNE-SSW. During the DF2
in the micaschists of the Paso del Rey area. event, older pegmatites and granite dykes were
Planar inclusion trails (quartz grains, opaque deformed. Thin layers of syn-kinematic pegma-
needles and grains) within biotite and gar- tite dykes were injected parallel to, and boudi-
net + sericite aggregates :t: muscovite record dif- naged between, SF2 planes. The cooling of the
ferent orientations with respect to SF~ planes in Rio de La Carpa granite took place during
the Micaschist Group, and a few curved and S- this deformation and was accompanied by the
shaped trails in garnet were only found within injection of up to several metres-thick pegmatite
fault zones at the boundaries to the Phyllite dykes in the country rocks and injected schists.
Group. In the latter, planar inclusion trails The variable metamorphic overprint of the
within biotite and garnet indicate the pre- clastic suc-cession started prior to the Dvl
deformational onset of metamorphism. Thus, deformation. Local growth of sillimanite within
the present evidence suggests a variable tem- former (?andalusite) porphyroblasts suggest an
perature overprint which took place in the increase in temperature which reached amphi-
consolidated sediments prior to and partly bolite facies conditions during the DF2 event.
during compressive Dw deformation. The climax of metamorphism is indicated by
The Dw deformation led to the formation of a quartz-plagioclase leucosomes parallel to SF2
(partly) penetrative Svj foliation with a c. W N W - planes and diffuse migmatitic parts in the
ESE-trending stretching lineation (LFx) defined injected schists.
by sheared, flattened and elongated sericite
aggregates and muscovite plates, as well as Northern part o[" the Sierra. In the Cerros
aligned biotite and muscovite. The foliation is Largos area and to the north, the compressive
partly related to tight FF1 fold structures and deformation in the Micaschist Group and parts
inhomogeneously affected the Paso del Rey of the Phyllite Group is documented by compli-
granite and pegmatites as well as the Tamboreo cated fold interference patterns on a metre- to
tonalite. It appears to be concentrated along kilometre-scale, indicating at least three stages
pegmatite and pluton margins, but also cuts of a continuous folding process around steeply
across them. Interior parts of the intrusions are inclined to vertical axes (von Gosen 1998). In
less deformed, or the foliation is replaced by some parts, the large-scale patterns can be
ductile shear zones. interpreted as sheath fold geometry which
To the east of the strip of phyllites, Svl planes could have formed due to more intense com-
are related to open, WNW-vergent FF~ fold pression in this northern part of the Micaschist
structures within the micaschists. The folds, on and Phyllite Group, and possibly were also
a metre to tens of metre scale, become tight east- influenced by the shapes of (?syn-tectonic)
wards, and the penetrative SF1 foliation also granitoid plutons in the subsurface. The struc-
affects pre- to (?) syn-deformational pegmatite tures suggest that the compressive event affected
dykes in the injected muscovite-biotite schists. both the phyllites and micaschists, and a clear
On SF~ planes, the Lvl lineation gently plunges separation of post-Famatinian fabrics was not
towards the ESE and is defined by aligned bio- possible. Within the phyllites to the south,
tite, muscovite, < l . 5 c m long muscovite plates, however, the first deformation can be placed in
and elongated muscovite-sericite aggregates. the time interval following intrusion of the
The DF~ event was followed by the injec- La Escalerilla Granite (see below).
tion of centimetre to tens of metres thick peg- North of Cerros Largos, the successions of
matite dykes which led to the growth of the Phyllite Group record continuous and
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 243

short-distance metamorphic transitions into the metamorphism, which are equivalents of the
Micaschist Group to the east and west which events within the adjacent micaschists, the pos-
records a pre- to partly syn-Dvl growth of (?) sibility cannot be excluded, however, that this
andalusite. This also indicates that these units date indicates the first Famatinian structural
are lateral (and vertical) equivalents. To the east, and metamorphic overprint in this part of the
the strip of micaschists records a gradual Micaschist Group. Hence, during and/or after
transition into injected micaschists. These meta- this stage, some parts at least of the Micaschist
morphic transitions can be explained by a Group could have been deformed in a single
variable heat transfer from underlying plutons. event combined with a slight metamorphism.
In the phyllites and micaschists between North of Cerros Largos, a granite intruded
Quines and Santa Rosa, the first deformation is the micaschist strip to the west of the phyllites.
also assumed to be Famatinian in age. It is indi- Fabrics in shear zones at the eastern contact
cated by a widely distributed Svl cleavage within suggest that it was emplaced during the second
the steeply inclined strata. On SF~ planes, the deformation of the country rocks. South of Paso
LF1 lineation steeply plunges c. E or c. W and is del Rey, however, intrusive activity took place
recorded by aligned sericite, muscovite, and bio- after the DF1 event within the micaschists,
tite. Cleavage-bedding relationships and some e.g., the La Florida granite.
minor folds on a metre-scale suggest the exist-
ence of large c.W- and c.E-vergent Fv~ fold
structures around c. NNE-SSW axes. In the Post-Famatinian magmatism, compression
phyllites south of Quines, however, tight and metamorphism
FF1 folds with WNW-ESE-striking axes occur.
The metamorphic overprint is indicated by the La Escalerilla Granite
growth of sericite, muscovite, biotite, and pre-
to syn-Dvl porphyroblasts which were partly The intrusion of the long lamella of the La
chiastolite, but have been mostly replaced by Escalerilla Granite (Fig. 1) indicates a turn in
sericite/muscovite aggregates. In the micaschists the entire tectonism. The granite intruded the
east of San Martin, the first deformation was WBC, Las Verbenas tonalite (Sato 1993), and
followed by the growth of andalusite porphyr- undeformed clastic sediments of the Phyllite
oblasts that were subsequently affected by a Group, and presumably followed an old fault
second foliation (Ortiz Sufirez 1988). zone. Along its western margin, the intrusion led
Observations within the different areas of the to a contact metamorphism in the sediments
micaschists, injected schists, and partly also the (von Gosen in press). A Rb-Sr errorchron of
phyllites suggest a variable, temperature-domi- 414Ma for the granite has been reported by
nated metamorphic overprint with local growth Llambias et al. (this volume). U-Pb dating of
of (fibrolitic) sillimanite (micaschists) and/or zircons from the granite, however, gave an age
(?) andalusite. It started prior to the DF~ event of 4 0 3 + 6 M a , indicating a Early Devonian
and continued through the DF2 deformation. crystallization of the pluton (Sims et al. 1997).
Based on this age, those structural and meta-
Eastern bounda O, of the Eastern Basement morphic events which affected the granite and
Complex. The eastern boundary of the EBC have comparable equivalents in the surrounding
against the Micaschist Group is widely masked units of the sierra should be younger and are
by thin granite and pegmatite intrusions (not described below. The structures in the Phyllite
depicted on the map of Fig. 1). A lamella of the and Micaschist Group, however, are not every-
Paso del Rey Granite intruded the contact where clearly related to this late overprint
between the multiply-deformed migmatites in (e.g., the northern part of the sierra, see above),
the northwest and undeformed micaschists in the and also in the eastern strip of phyllites a partial
southeast. This suggests uplift of the migmatites Famatinian overprint cannot be excluded.
with respect to the micaschists prior to granite
intrusion. It is supported by (deformed) granites Structure and metamorphism
(e.g., Cruz de Carla) and pegmatite dykes within
the basement complex which cut across Dvl 3 Phyllite Group. The dominant structures in the
fabrics and migmatite textures, suggesting a high Sierra de San Luis follow a NNE-SSW trend.
level of intrusion. For the Paso del Rey granite, The Phyllite Group and its contact metamor-
a Mid-Late Ordovician age of emplacement was phosed equivalents were affected by a compres-
based on Rb Sr dating (454 4-21 Ma: Llambias sive D1 deformation which led to the formation
et al. 1991). Since the granite was affected by of tight F I fold structures around NNE-SSW
inhomogeneous Sw shearing and low-grade trending axes. According to way-up criteria, they
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244 W. V O N G O S E N & C. P R O Z Z I

~a

o~

: o

~ .

0',~

~ O

o~

mV
.,-~
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 245

affected an upright sedimentary sequence. The metres wide strips in the WBC are inhomogen-
F1 structures generally do not record a single eously overprinted by the S1 foliation, which
vergence and both WNW-vergent folds and also affected the Famatinian intrusions. Folia-
SE- to ESE-directed vergences occur (Fig. 4). tion development started within the densely
The folds, with a maximum wavelength of at distributed pegmatite dykes. In the gneisses, the
least several hundred metres, are associated with foliation can be replaced by distinct, c. N N E -
a penetrative, axial-plane S1 cleavage. The SSW trending, sinistral C1 shear zones (Fig. 6).
deformed Conglomerado Cafiada Honda lies An increase in shearing led to the formation of
on the eastern limb of an F 1 anticline. S 1 planes a penetrative S 1 foliation which overprinted the
penetratively cut across rhyolitic dacitic dykes pre-Famatinian fabrics.
which are also folded around F1 structures.
In the tonalites and in the Rio Quinto and
La Escalerilla Granite and Micaschists to the
La Escalerilla granites inhomogeneous S1 shear-
east. The already foliated (SF1) strip of micas-
ing was mostly concentrated along the margins,
chists east of the La Escalerilla Granite was
being replaced by shear zones in the interior
affected by W-vergent F1 folding and S1 cleav-
parts. In the Phyllite Group and deformed age formation during D1 compression in the
plutons, the L1 stretching lineation strikes
granite and Phyllite Group to the west. The east-
c.WNW-ESE. WNW-ESE compression con-
ern margin of the La Escalerilla granite lamella is
tinued locally with formation of c. W-vergent F2
marked by a mylonite zone (Figs 1 and 4, profile
crenulation folds, combined with an $2 crenu- B-B'). Along the mylonite, the eastern mica-
lation cleavage. The WNW-ESE-striking L2
schists were carried northwestwards over the
lineation is defined by aligned sericite + biotite.
granite. Shear sense indicators suggest an obli-
que sinistral reverse faulting parallel to the
Western Basement Complex. Along c. N N E -
mylonite lineation (von Gosen & Prozzi 1996).
SSW- to N-S-trending faults, the WBC is dis-
Within the granite, an inhomogeneously distrib-
placed against the Phyllite Group in the east, and
uted S1 foliation and mostly NNW-SSE tren-
both contain tonalite intrusions (Figs 1 and 3).
ding sinistral strike-slip faults and shear zones
To the NW of La Carolina (Pampa de Las
are related to the first deformational event and
Invernadas), the S1 cleavage in the Phyllite
the formation of the mylonite zone at the eastern
Group and intercalated tonalite to granodiorite
granite margin. The ductile strike-slip faults and
intrusive rocks is related to the F 1 folding event.
shear zones also cut across the Las Verbenas
It records a continuous transition into the folia-
tonalite and contact metamorphosed parts of the
tion of two mylonite zones (Smy) and could be
Phyllite Group in the west. There, they are com-
traced across these into the western basement
bined with F1 folding and S1 cleavage forma-
(Fig. 5). Kinematic indicators in the mylonites
tion. The entire deformation is related to a
demonstrate oblique sinistral uplift of the wes-
sinistral transpressive regime which probably
tern basement block parallel to the pronounced
was also influenced by the initial, elongate shape
mylonite lineation (Lmy). This is in accordance
and orientation of the granite pluton (von
with the sense of displacement deduced for the
Gosen in press). It led to the bending of the
fault zone (Fig. 3), as well as the sense of shear
granite lamella together with adjacent units to
within some C1 shear zones in the basement
the west and east (Fig. 1).
(Fig. 6). A local dextral sense of shear could be
detected only for parts of a NNE-SSW-trending
mylonite strip at the eastern margin of the Rio Eastern Basement Complex. To the east of the
Claro granite, and in one part of the main fault La Escalerilla Granite, a steeply eastwards-
zone which curves around the eastern tonalite inclined and thin mylonite zone displaces the
(Fig. 3). The fact that the Gasparillo tonalite, and gneisses and migmatites of the EBC, also north-
a muscovite granite to the southwest, are not westwards, over the strip of micaschists in the
cross-cut by a mylonite zone suggests reactiva- west (Figs 1 and 4, profile B-B'). There and
tion that concentrated only along those parts of further to the east, mylonite formation is related
the former block boundary against the Phyllite to the D1 event within the Micaschist Group,
Group not sealed by intrusions. The sinistral which led to the formation of the mylonite zone
faults partly cut through the basement (and the at the eastern margin of the La Escalerilla
southwestern margin of the Gasparillo tonalite; granite and compressive D1 deformation in the
Llambias et al. 1996) or die out to the south in the Phyllite Group (von Gosen in press). In the
folded Phyllite Group (south of La Carolina). eastern part of the micaschists, compression
Except for undeformed areas with preserved locally continues with the formation of F2 fold
pre-Famatinian fabrics, metre to hundreds of structures and a ductile, sinistral C2 shear zone.
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246 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

z~
Zo ~
,--.~

F~
~c.--

~~

o~

~- ~-~

,-~ ,.r o

"~.~
...o

.~ .~'-~.~

O',.~ O

N~N
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 247

Fig. 6. Sinistral shear zone in migmatitic gneiss at Rio Turbio, north of road from La Carolina to San Francisco
del Monte de Oro (plan view). Shearing is concentrated within distinct ductile shear zones. They are replaced by
penetrative S 1 foliation planes in Famatinian pegmatite dykes which cut across the pre-Famatinian S~2 foliation.

The EBC is displaced along a N N E - S S W Several thin mylonite zones partly surround
trending belt of mylonites (Fig. 1), referred to the Virorco occurrence and cut through the
as the 'Faja milonitica La Arenilla' by Ortiz Las Aguilas complex (Fig. 7; compare also,
Sufirez et al. (1992). In the southwestern part e.g., Gonzfilez Bonorino 1961; Cucchi 1964;
of the sierra, it consists of one thick mylonite Sabalfia et al. 1981; Brogioni 1992). In the strip
(e.g., in the mafic/ultramafic La Melada com- of basement rocks to the west of the thick
plex; Brogioni & Ribot 1994). In the northern mylonite zone, a more intense S1 foliation occurs
and southern continuation, the mylonite splits parallel to Sv2 planes. The basement to the east is
into several branches which are accompanied inhomogeneously affected by Sv2 parallel shear-
by additional, parallel and thinner mylonites ing or a more intense S1 foliation within distinct
(Fig. 7). strips between and towards mylonite zones.
Regionally, the mylonite foliation (Stay) The mylonites displace basement blocks
strikes N N E - S S W . In the outcrops, it mostly with enclosed boudinaged layers of mafic and
steeply dips to the east or is vertical; a gradual ultramafic rocks which were injected by granitic
change to a steep westerly dip only occurs and pegmatitic melts before (Fig. 8; see also
locally. Smy follows the Famatinian SF2 foliation above). They also cut across the migmatites, the
(Fig. 8). Since no F1 folding could be detected latest-stage fabrics of the Dr3 deformation, and
outside the mylonite zones, this also shows contain clasts of the migmatites. Kinematic
that slip during displacement of the different indicators (a- and ~5-clasts, shear bands, S/C
basement blocks mostly used pre-existing Sv2 fabrics) show uplift of the eastern basement
foliation planes. In the southern part of the blocks (Figs 7 & 8). In many cases, this was com-
Virorco complex, bending of the older foliation bined with a variable sinistral component paral-
is related to a large-scale fold structure (Gonz~t- lel to the mylonite lineation (Lmy), which plunges
lez Bonorino 1961), interpreted here to be of c. SE to c.S. Lmy is defined by aligned silli-
early Famatinian age and cross-cut by mylonites. manite, biotite, • elongated quartz
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248 W. V O N G O S E N & C. P R O Z Z I

Fig. 7. Simplified map of mylonite zones within the Eastern Basement Complex and at the eastern margin of
the La Escalerilla granite, based on field mapping and interpreted aerial photographs (for location see Fig. 1).
Mafic and mafic/ultramafic complexes (grey) are simplified and only the larger occurrences are indicated on the
map. Lower hemisphere, equal area stereoplots indicate the maximum of mylonite foliation planes (Stay; great
circle) and mylonite lineations (Lmy, circle) as well as fold axes related to the mylonite formation. Numbers of
measurements are indicated in brackets. Depicted relative sense of shear (black and white half circles) is based on
shear sense indicators (cr- and &clasts, shear bands, S/C fabrics). G, La Escalerilla Granite; M, Micaschist Group.
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 249

Fig. 8. Mylonite strips in migmatitic basement gneisses and schists at Riocito (north of La Melada, east of
asphalt road to La Carolina). Quartz-plagioclase injections are folded and/or boudinaged within the
pre-Famatinian Sx2 foliation. They cut across amphibolite layers and during boudinage they were sheared
and flattened at the margins. The mylonite foliation (amy) follows the Sx~ foliation fabric or cuts across under
a small angle (left). Shear sense indicators (&clasts, shear bands, SIC fabrics) indicate an oblique sinistral uplift
of the eastern blocks parallel to the mylonite lineation (Lmy). (Schematic block profile.)

and quartz-feldspar aggregates, and tails of the mylonite at the eastern margin of the
quartz on feldspar clasts. The oblique sinistral La Escalerilla Granite, where coarser feldspar
component of displacement is comparable with recrystallization grains also occur. This also
that found at the eastern margin of the La Esca- accounts for the static growth of quartz and
lerilla Granite, at the eastern boundary of the feldspar recrystallization grains after cessation
WBC, and is supported by sinistral strike-slip of shearing, whilst adjacent layers indicate
shearing in the La Escalerilla Granite and to continuing ductile deformation and dynamic
the west (see above). From E to W, however, the recrystallization.
sinistral component becomes more important. These observations suggest that mylonite
This shows that it is not a local phenomenon but formation, which started under at least higher
was of regional significance during compression greenschist facies conditions during uplift, con-
(see below). tinued at lower temperatures. It is possible,
Within the mylonites, elongated quartz rib- however, that mylonitic shearing partly reacti-
bons surround quartz and feldspar clasts (and vated some older (Famatinian) mylonite strips,
aggregates) which are bent, kinked, and mech- since Sims et al. (1997) report high-temperature
anically twinned (plagioclase). Ductile deforma- mylonites from, e.g., the Las Aguilas area. The
tion was accompanied by widely distributed greenschist facies fabrics suggest that mylonite
recrystallization of quartz. Recrystallization of formation took place coeval with the shearing at
feldspar took place at clast boundaries and/or the eastern margin of the La Escalerilla granite.
along shear planes. Old garnet poikiloclasts It is thus directly connected with the compression
are affected by the foliation whilst smaller grains which led to F1 folding and S1 cleavage forma-
or rims grew during and/or after shearing. tion within the Phyllite Group and equivalent
Sillimanite is partly bent, kinked, disrupted, fabrics of the Micaschist Group. Hence, uplift
and converted into sericite. With respect to the along the intra-basement mylonite zones east of
fabrics, the mylonites can be compared with the La Escalerilla Granite can be interpreted as
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250 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

having accommodated compression which led to several metres thick pegmatite dykes. These are
folding and cleavage formation within the 'cover partly related to local migmatization due to post-
sediments' (e.g., Phyllite Group). kinematic granitoid intrusion in the eastern part
of the sierra. Migmatization also affected those
rocks that record Fv2 fold structures. In the
Micaschists east and west of the Phyllite Group.
phyllites to micaschists between Quines and
Between the EBC and the Micaschist Group to
Santa Rosa only a few c. ESE- or c.WNW-
the east, a c. NE-SW-striking, sinistral mylonite
vergent, open F1 crenulation folds on a centi-
zone was found NW of Paso del Rey. The
metre to several metres scale were found; they are
mylonite partly affects the Paso del Rey granite
combined with an S 1 crenulation cleavage.
and pegmatites, but to the NE it cuts through
the migmatites. As at the eastern margin of the
Regional metamorphism and age. In the meta-
WBC, it can be assumed that displacements only
clastic sediments, the regional metamorphic
affected those parts of former block boundaries
overprint, accompanying the compressive defor-
which were not sealed by granitoid and pegma-
mation, is indicated by recrystallization of
tite intrusions.
biotite, quartz, 4-feldspar, muscovite, and mus-
Along high-angle reverse faults, the deformed
covite plates, as well as the growth of biotite,
Micaschist Group was carried over the central
chlorite, sericite/muscovite, +garnet. Former
strip of the Phyllite Group (e.g. Fig. 4, profile
(? andalusite) porphyroblasts are converted into
A-A'). As in the case of the above mylonite
sericite/muscovite +chlorite aggregates. Partial
zones, they are related to the overall c. W N W -
replacement of garnet by biotite/chlorite, and
ESE compression in the sierra, but they record
of biotite by chlorite, is also attributed to the
W- and E-directed reverse senses of displace-
final static stage of metamorphism. Comparable
ment, in accordance with different fold ver-
greenschist facies fabrics from granitic and
gences. In the Micaschist Group of the Paso del
tonalitic intrusions are described by, e.g., Sato
Rey and La Florida areas, an SE- to ESE-
(1993), Brogioni et al. (1994), and von Gosen
vergent F 1 folding with an S 1 crenulation cleav-
(1998, in press).
age becomes more intense towards the faulted
In the basement complexes, new muscovite,
contact with the Phyllite Group in the east.
sericite and biotite 4-garnet grew. Older garnet
At the eastern faulted contact of the phyllites, a
and sillimanite may be partly to entirely replaced
steeply eastwards inclined S1 foliation occurs
by biotite and sericite, respectively, whereas
within the micaschists of Rio de La Carpa.
feldspar contains sericite. From the mafic to
In the south, this contact is marked by a c. 500 m
ultramafic complex of La Melada, the effects of
wide zone of into intensely foliated (S1) mica-
the metamorphic overprint are described by,
schists, where Svl planes are overprinted
e.g., Brogioni & Ribot (1994).
(e.g., Rio de La Cafiada Honda). According to
Based on ductile deformation and dynamic
c.W-vergent F1 structures, S/C fabrics, and
recrystallization of feldspar, a relatively high
shear bands, the micaschists are carried west-
grade of greenschist facies can be estimated for
wards over the phyllites (the 'Rio Guzm~n Shear
the regional metamorphism ( T > c. 450~ The
Zone' of Sims et al. 1997). Only at Rio Quinto
overprint, however, was modified by the forma-
could an oblique sinistral component be found.
tion of late migmatites in the eastern part of
A NNE-SSW-trending shear zone, cutting
the sierra, which are related to post-kinematic
across the Phyllite Group north of Cerros
intrusions. Relict staurolite, indicating amphi-
Largos, indicates uplift of the eastern block.
bolite facies conditions, could be detected only
However, it is related to the first and second
at two localities of the micaschists in the
deformations with complex folding and is pre-
southwestern part of the sierra. Whilst staurolite
sumably of Famatinian age (see above). In all
in the La Florida area can be related to the
areas, the along-strike continuations of these
intrusion of the La Florida granite, south of
fault lines are unclear, and the faults are omitted
La Carolina it grew statically after the second
on the map of Fig. 1.
deformation within the micaschists. Hence, the
precise areal distribution of amphibolite facies
Injected micaschists and phyllites to micaschists overprint is unclear. Locally occurring kyanite
between Quines and Santa Rosa. Only within a in isolated blocks of the micaschists east of the
few outcrops, Fv2 folds within the injected La Escalerilla granite, large staurolites entirely
micaschists are overprinted by open to tight, replaced by sericite aggregates east of Cerros
c. WNW-vergent F I folds on a decimetre to Largos, and staurolite NW of Cerros Largos
metre scale, which do not record an S 1 cleavage. (Kilmurray & Dalla Salda 1977) could also be
After folding, the sequence was injected by up to Famatinian in age.
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 251

In many parts of the different units, regional during Mid-Cambrian times (e.g., Acefiolaza
greenschist facies metamorphism statically out- et al. 1978; Miller 1984; Willner et al. 1987;
lasted compression. However, deformation local- Fig. 9) as the result of collision with the
ly continued during the final stage of heating. Arequipa-Antofalla craton (Ramos 1988). This
This is exemplified also in the mylonite zones contrasts with the situation in the Sierra de San
where ductile deformation and dynamic re- Luis where no indications for Pampean compres-
crystallization of quartz 4- feldspar continued, sion and metamorphism have yet been reported
whereas cessation of displacements along distinct from the Phyllite Group and equivalents. Due
parts of the same mylonite, or within another to the lack of radiometric data indicating a
mylonite, led to static growth of recrystallized Pampean event, the WBC is interpreted as
quartz and feldspar (blastomylonites). Proterozoic in age, consistent with its uplift
K-Ar data from biotites of the Paso del Rey prior to intrusion of early Famatinian tonalites
and Rio de La Carpa granites gave ages of and granites. Hence, it is reasonable to assume
372 + 20, 381 -t- 13, and 391 4- 9 Ma (Varela et al. that the sediments of the Phyllite Group and
1994), older than a single date from the La equivalents equally covered an older basement
Escalerilla granite (353+15Ma: Linares & complex in a passive margin setting. The deposi-
Latorre 1973). Since these granites were affected tion of the Conglomerado Cafiada Honda can be
by compressive deformation and greenschist related to submarine debris flow from a fault
facies metamorphism, the data can be inter- escarpment during turbiditic sedimentation.
preted to reflect the closure of the K-Ar system Recent data from Rapela et al. (this volume)
in Devonian time. This is supported by Ar/Ar show that the Pampean cycle of the Eastern
data from sericite in the mylonitic fabric of Sierras Pampeanas (Sierras de C6rdoba) was
the 'Rio Guzman Shear Zone', which indicates caused by an Early to Mid-Cambrian collision
an age between 360 and 350Ma (Sims et al. between continental terranes. This supports the
1997). Together with the above indications, this existence of a 'Pampean Terrane' (Ramos 1988),
would imply a probable Devonian timing of which collided with the Rio de La Plata craton
the post-Famatinian compressive deformation in the east during the Pampean cycle (Baldo
and regional metamorphism in the sierra, which et al. 1996), and contrasts with the model of
is in accordance to the interpretation of Sims Kraemer et al. (1995), who proposed a collision
et al. (1997). in Proterozoic times prior to deposition of the
Puncoviscana Formation.

Geotectonic implications
Famatinian and post-Famatinian cycles
Pre-Famatinian cycle
During the Famatinian cycle, the formation of a
For the low grade meta-clastic sediments of the magmatic arc at the western margin of the
Phyllite Group in the Sierra de San Luis a Pampean Terrane is indicated by the rise of
minimum initial thickness of c. 3.5 km can be tonalite, granodiorite, and granite plutons in the
estimated (yon Gosen & Prozzi 1996). These sierra (Sato et al. 1996; Llambias et al. this
rocks can be compared with single, isolated volume). The initial tonalites intrude the unde-
occurrences of low grade rocks in the provinces formed sediments of the Phyllite Group and
of C6rdoba, Catamarca, and La Rioja (com- parts of the Micaschist Group, as well as the
pare, e.g., Lucero Michaut 1979; Prozzi & Ortiz WBC which had already been uplifted. The
Sufirez 1994; G. Ramos et al. 1996). Allowing magmatic arc probably continues northwards
for gradation into higher grade metamorphic in the Sierras de Los Llanos, Malanz~in and
units, this suggests a thick pile of clastic Chepes (Fig. 9; see also V. A. Ramos et al. 1996,
sediments and a widespread depositional area Llambias et al. this volume) where intense
outside the present Sierra de San Luis. This subduction-related plutonism occurred in the
could indicate that it was an equivalent of, or earliest Ordovician-Caradoc interval (Pank-
connected to, the Puncoviscana trough of NW hurst et al. 1996, this volume). The mafic and
Argentina, if one accepts a comparable deposi- ultramafic rocks in the EBC of the Sierra de San
tional age in both realms. Luis intruded the metasediments during the
The clastic successions of the Puncoviscana early Ordovician, synchronously with regional
basin were deposited on the western passive deformation, and represent a significant heat-
margin of Gondwana during the Late Precam- source for the high-temperature conditions (see
brian-Early Cambrian interval (e.g., Je~ek et al. Sims et al. 1997). This suggests that these events
1985) and were affected by the Pampean Orogeny were slightly older than, or occurred during,
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252 W. VON G O S E N & C. P R O Z Z I

Fig. 9. Simplified geological map of the NW Argentine Andes with main geotectonic units based on published
maps and data (Willner et al. 1987; Miller & Neugebauer 1990; Ramos 1991; Simon & Rossello 1990; L6pez &
Toselli 1993; Neugebauer & Miller 1993; Vujovich 1994; Lopez et al. 1996a, b; V. A. Ramos et al. 1996;
Schetselaar et al. 1996; Toselli et al. 1996) and our own investigations. Boundaries between geotectonic units
are inferred; my, mylonite zone; arrows schematically indicate tectonic transports; encircled numbers refer to
locations mentioned in the text: 1, Sierra de E1 Gigante; 2, Sierra de Guayaguas; 3, Sierra de La Huerta;
4, Sierra de Valle F6rtil; 5, Sierra de Las Minas; 6, Sierra de Chepes; 7, Sierra de Los Llanos.
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EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 253

the onset of arc plutonism. The latter can interpreted as part of the Western Sierras
be related to continuous, east-directed subduc- Pampeanas (Gardini et al. 1996). Schetselaar
tion at the western margin of the Pampean et al. (1996) mention counter-clockwise bending
terrane. According to the plate tectonic situa- of the main structures in the western margin of
tion, this was combined with eastward drift of the Sierra de E1 Gigante (cf. Schmidt et al. 1995),
the Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane towards the related to kink folds and ductile shear in the
Gondwana margin. outcrops, and interpret these features as the
The timing of compressive deformation and expression of a sinistral Early Palaeozoic strike-
variable metamorphism in the Micaschist Group slip fault. The fault was later followed by an
and its equivalents suggests onset in the (?) Mid- Andean thrust (Schmidt et al. 1995).
Late Ordovician interval. This also applies to Several localities with mylonite have been
parts of the Phyllite Group and injected schists described from the eastern margin of the
in the eastern part of the sierra, although early Famatina System (e.g., P6rez et al. 1991; L6pez
Ordovician events cannot be excluded. It is & Toselli 1993; L6pez et al. 1996a, b; Miller &
important to note that most parts of the Phyllite Neugebauer 1990; Neugebauer & Miller 1993;
Group were not affected by compression, sug- and Toselli et al. 1996). Studies of kinematic
gesting a variable areal distribution of com- indicators (e.g., P6rez et al. 1991; L6pez et al.
pressive effects and metamorphism during the 1996a, b; Toselli et al. 1996) have shown that
Famatinian cycle. A few observations show that mostly W- to NW-directed, reverse displace-
uplift of the EBC took place prior to and after ments of the eastern blocks took place (simpli-
the first deformation within different areas of the fied in Fig. 9). A Devonian timing for the
micaschists, and was presumably combined with formation or reactivation of some of these
the onset of intra-basement mylonite formation. mylonite zones was described by L6pez et al.
After intrusion of the La Escalerilla Gran- (1996a) and Toselli et al. (1996) although some
ite, WNW-ESE compression under greenschist are older (e.g., P~rez et al. 1991). Furthermore,
facies conditions led to folding of the cover Kntiver & Miller (1981) and Willner (1983) have
sediments and probably was accommodated by reported a Silurian age of deformation and
the formation of mylonite zones in the EBC, metamorphism from the Sierra de Ancasti.
leading to uplift of different blocks. Oblique In the map of Fig. 9, the western margin of
reverse faulting with a sinistral component in the the Famatina System is inferred. If one accepts
western part of the sierra, a strike-slip reactiva- that the Valle F6rtil lineament and its southern
tion of former block boundaries (e.g., WBC), continuation represent the (relic of the) main
and displacements of the Phyllite Group over terrane boundary, then a thin slice of Pampean
the Micaschist Group (Fig. 10) are all related Basement is intercalated between the Precor-
to this compressive event, which probably is dillera (Cuyania) terrane and the Famatina
Devonian in age. System, and probably extends to the south
With respect to the main geotectonic units and (with respect to fault lines; compare also inter-
suture zones, Fig. 9 shows a preliminary inter- pretations of, e.g., Acefiolaza & Toselli 1988 and
pretation. Based on the extent of the Precordil- Baldis et al. 1989). The Famatina System would
lera (Cuyania) terrane (cf. V.A. Ramos et al. represent a sliver of magmatic arc pinched
1996), a main suture can be inferred between the within the Sierras Pampeanas basement (Miller
Sierra de Valle F+rtil-La Huerta and the Sierra & Neugebauer 1990). Taken together, these
de E1 Gigante west of the Sierra de San Luis observations, as well as those from the Sierra
(southern continuation of the Valle F6rtil linea- de San Luis, show that oblique sinistral reverse
m e n t ) - see Schmidt (report during the 1995 to partly sinistral strike-slip displacements also
Penrose Conference), Astini et al. (1995), occurred at the inferred contact between the
Schmidt et al. (1995) and V. A. Ramos et al. Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane and the Sierras
(1996). Vujovich (1994) reports mylonites and Pampeanas basement complex (Valle F6rtil
NW-directed transport in the Sierra de La lineament). This suggests that general E-W to
Huerta, whilst Simon & Rossello (1990) describe WNW-ESE compression between the different
a minor sinistral component from mylonites in geotectonic units was not necessarily accommo-
the Sierra de Guayaguas. The abundance of dated only by pure W-directed reverse displace-
marble in the Sierra de E1 Gigante, which does ments along mylonite zones. With respect to the
not occur in the Sierra de San Luis proper, and curved outer shape of the eastern boundary of
also a different deformational and metamorphic the Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane, the sinistral
history with a general c. E-W trend of the main components are presumably the effect of the
structures (see Gardini 1993), suggests that the colliding terrane indenting the Sierras Pampea-
former represents an isolated block that can be has basement to the east. The crucial point is the
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254 W. VON GOSEN & C. PROZZI

r,n

I,~ r.n 0

o~

,~,-[=

o.~

~.~ .~
~.~
~ ~.~

9 m

~ ~.~
 Downloaded from http://sp.lyellcollection.org/ at MINCYT on October 10, 2014

EVOLUTION OF THE SIERRA DE SAN LUIS 255

timing of the docking of the terrane with the portent of displacement during c . W N W - E S E
Pampean terrane in the east. Our studies in the compression in the western part of the sierra.
Sierra de San Luis make it possible to assume Uplift of basement blocks along mylonite zones
that post-Famatinian compression, affecting all was probably combined with folding in the
units, was related to collision. cover sediments and partial displacement of
the Micaschist Group over the Phyllite Group.
Conclusions (6) Compression was accompanied, and
mostly outlasted, by greenschist facies meta-
In the Sierra de San Luis, the different stages of morphic conditions. Based on the age of the La
the structural and metamorphic evolution can Escalerilla Granite (Sims et al. 1997) and a few
be separated as follows and are schematically additional radiometric data, this phase of defor-
summarized in Fig. 10. mation and metamorphism probably took place
(1) The pre-Famatinian cycle is indicated by in the Devonian.
at least three phases of compressive deformation Post-Famatinian deformation and meta-
within the Western Basement Complex (Dxl-3), morphism are assumed to have been related to
accompanied by a high-grade metamorphism the colliding Precordillera (Cuyania) terrane in
leading to the formation of migmatites. These the west. An oblique sinistral component during
events are interpreted as of Proterozoic age. compression, found in the western parts of the
(2) The timing of deposition of a thick clastic sierra and supported also by observations from
sequence (later Phyllite Group and equivalents) outside the sierra, can be interpreted as the effect
is compared with that of the Late Precambrian- of the shape of the indenting terrane.
Early Cambrian Puncoviscana Formation of
N W Argentina. The sediments probably covered We are very grateful to E. J. Llambias and A. M. Sato
the consolidated and steeply inclined West- (La Plata) for many discussions about the granitoids,
ern Basement Complex and were intruded by their relations to country rocks, and the evolution of the
rhyolitic-dacitic dykes. Sierra de San Luis on fieldtrips and elsewhere.
(3) After uplift of the Western Basement Discussions with M. de Brodtkorb (Buenos Aires),
Complex, intrusion of tonalites in the undefor- W. Buggisch (Erlangen), C. Costa, C. Gardini, A. Ortiz
Su/trez, G. Ramos (San Luis), S. Delpino, L. V. Dimieri
reed clastic sequence are related to the Fama-
(Bahia Blanca), P. Gonzhlez, C. Rapela (La Plata), and
tinian magmatic arc and assigned to the Early V. A. Ramos (Buenos Aires) helped to understand
Ordovician. They also support the assumed the evolution of the sierra and surroundings. We are
timing for the evolution of the basement as grateful also to those colleagues who helped and
well as the deposition of the clastic sequence. supported us in solving logistic problems. Thanks to
This igneous activity is related to an E-dipping R. J. Pankhurst, J. Sims and an anonymous reviewer
subduction zone at the western margin of for critical comments and textural suggestions. Over
the Pampean terrane, probably linked to the several years, our work in the Sierra de San Luis was
E-directed drift of the Precordillera (Cuyania) enabled by grants from the CONICET, Universidad
Nacional de San Luis, German Academic Exchange
terrane. The early Ordovician intrusion of
Service (DAAD), and German Research Foundation
mafic and ultramafic melts in the East- (DFG, Proj. Bu 312/29-1 and 29-2). Cars were provided
ern Basement Complex were combined with by the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Universidad
deformation and high-grade metamorphism Nacional de La Plata, and the Proyecto de Ciencia y
(Sims et al. 1997). T&nica U.N.S.L. ('Mapa GeolSgico de la Sierra de San
(4) To a variable extent, Famatinian defor- Luis y areas circunvecinas'). These supports from all
mation(s) occurred within the clastic cover above institutions are gratefully acknowledged.
sequences and affected parts of the Phyllite
Group. The age of the variable metamorphic
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