Kinematics of the Guerrero terrane accretion in the Sierra de Guanajuato, central Mexico: new insights for the structural evolution of arc–continent collisional zones

Research reveals that the accretion of the Guerrero terrane to the North American craton during the late Early Cretaceous led to significant structural evolution, including the closure of the Arperos oceanic basin and the formation of a 100 km-wide fold–thrust belt. The Sierra de Guanajuato, an exposure of this suture belt, exhibits a complex tectonic pile formed through three major shortening phases (D1SG, D2SG, D3SG). D1SG and D2SG involved NE–SW shortening, while D3SG showed NW–SE contraction with SE-vergent ductile thrusts. These findings suggest that the top-to-the-SE emplacement of the El Paxtle arc assemblage may be due to tectonic escape caused by continuous NE impingement of the Guerrero terrane during its collisional addition to the Mexican mainland.

Martini, M., Solari, L., & Camprubí, A. (2012). Kinematics of the Guerrero terrane accretion in the Sierra de Guanajuato, central Mexico: new insights for the structural evolution of arc–continent collisional zones. International Geology Review, 55(5), 574–589. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2012.729361