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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 46 (1962)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1565

Last Page: 1595

Title: Tectonic Trends in Sierra De Perija and Adjacent Parts of Venezuela and Colombia

Author(s): John B. Miller (2)

Abstract:

Compressional folds and faults of the Sierra de Perija are strongly aligned in a trend bearing about N. 35° E. Combined in the range with this longitudinal pattern are several local or less prominent trends of faulting and disturbance. South-trending faults branch from the longitudinal faults in the northern part of the range, and emerge into the Maracaibo Basin. Crossing through the southern and south-central part of the range is a system of transverse faults related to the Arena Blanca trend defined in the Cesar Valley. The east-trending transverse Oca fault system crosses and terminates the north end of the range.

In the longitudinal system are the Perija and Tigre faults, and numerous features of the central and western parts of the range. The Cuiba fault, broadly defined to include faulting southward along the range front to the Rio Ariguaisa, also mainly conforms to the longitudinal pattern. A junction of four major faults occurs at the Rio Palmar, where the arcuate Socuy-Cuiba alignment is crossed by the Tigre-Perija alignment. The Socuy, Cuiba, and Arena Blanca faults form a single continuous arcuate trend suggesting a lobate thrust-block.

The Perija fault system crosses diagonally through the Perija range from the Rio Palmar southwestward into the Cesar Valley. It marks a synclinal trough and structural depression that segments the range. West of the fault lies the bulk of the northern Perija range, including the Serrania de Valledupar, and structural blocks of the Palmar-Guasare area. East of it lie the entire southern segment of the range, the Rio Negro anticlinal feature, and the structural eminence known as the Totumo-Inciarte arch. The Perija fault terminates or is sharply offset where it meets the Arena Blanca displacement in the Rio Tocuy drainage of the Cesar Valley.

A discussion of the geological history reviews the pattern of sedimentation. Development of the Cretaceous Perija trough, and early Eocene movements on the borders of this trough, are defined. The Totumo-Inciarte arch and Manuelote syncline are strongly evident in this historic pattern. Events also can be related to the Oca fault. Several geomorphic stages of Quaternary beaches formed across the Oca fault zone near Sinamaica show evidence of Pleistocene or Recent movement on the Oca fault.

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