Jurassic volcanism of the Chon Aike Silicic LIP in the northeastern Deseado Massif

Two compositionally different volcanic cycles are documented by geological mapping, lithofacies and petrographic analyses of Jurassic volcanic rocks in the northeastern sector of the Deseado Massif, constituting the western counterpart of the Karoo-Ferrar LIPs in Patagonia. The first cycle is of intermediate composition and is represented by andesitic lava flows, phenoandesitic moderate-grade ignimbrites and volcaniclastic deposits. These rocks constitute a previously unknown large outcrop (similar to 100 km(2)) of the Bajo Pobre Formation. The second cycle (Chon Aike Formation) is acidic in composition and constituted by several pyroclastic deposits (ignimbrites and co-ignimbrite lag breccias), lavic bodies (rhyolitic lava domes, dykes, and coulees) and rhyolitic pyroclastic dykes. Structural measurements collected in the studied area suggest an extensional tectonic control on the emplacement of, at least, the Chon Aike Formation rocks. We document two major NE-striking (SE-dipping) normal faults, which constitute direct field evidence of the extensional tectonic control on the Jurassic Chon Aike Silicic LIP in the Deseado Massif at the time when southern Gondwana broke up.

Automated summary

By conducting geological mapping and lithofacies analysis of Jurassic volcanic rocks in the northeastern sector of the Deseado Massif, two compositionally different volcanic cycles were identified. The first cycle consists of intermediate composition and includes andesitic lava flows and volcaniclastic deposits, while the second cycle is acidic in composition and includes various pyroclastic deposits and lavic bodies. Structural measurements suggest extensional tectonic control on the emplacement of the rocks in at least the second cycle.